1986 Hunter 23 mast crutch alternatives?

[Andrew125i]

I am the proud owner of a 1986 Hunter 23, procured my miraculous luck in 2021. The only problem is… I have no mast crutch, which, from what I’ve read, is a fairly common problem… I would love to know if anyone has found a reliable, long-term solution to this problem… because stepping the mast without it was NOT EASY last time I tried! In addition, the thingy that gives you leverage at the base of the mast between the halyard and the main sheet? Missing that too… slightly less of an issue, but if anyone has advice (and knows what it’s called because now it’s killing me!) please reach out!
P.S. it’s crazy to me that online forums are still alive in 2025
P.P.S. Has anyone bought running rigging from this site? If so, is it worth it?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Be glad to hep you as I am a former dealer who sold about 20% of the production line of the 23 wing keel. As the forum store it it is staffed with former Hunter employees. Sed me a private message through this forum. I would ask that you post what we discussed due to arthritis in my hands

dave

 

[Brian M H23]

It's been a while, but my mast crutch for the trailer was essentially a 2x4 rectangle that sat on the seats. The middle had some uprights with a bow roller mounted on top. It was a hack job, but it worked.

The tricky bit is you want a roller on top, but you'll need to be able to roll the spreaders over it or stop to lift them over it.