We recently purchased another Venture 23'. I have become a bit gimpy in the bvack and shoulder since owning our last one. I am interested in any hardware or advice on raising/lowering the mast when I am alone. I am 6'6" and can handle some weight, but I imagine there has to be an easier way to step and unstep the mast. Please email me: FamilyTourUSA@aol.com Thank you! Marcus
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I Was Hoping
I was hoping that someone else would answer this post. I put up my 28'mast by myself. It takes a lot of strength and I don't know anyway to avoid it except to get help or rig up some kind of winch arrangement. You could also shorten the mast, but of course that would require complete rerigging and at new sails. You could probably get by with the two existing foresails, but the main would have to be changed.
I was hoping that someone else would answer this post. I put up my 28'mast by myself. It takes a lot of strength and I don't know anyway to avoid it except to get help or rig up some kind of winch arrangement. You could also shorten the mast, but of course that would require complete rerigging and at new sails. You could probably get by with the two existing foresails, but the main would have to be changed.
Get the kit
Contact either MacGregor in California or Blue Water Yachts (BWY) and buy a mast raising kit. I got one for my 25 from MacGregor for about $99. It came complete with the baby stays and hardware. It is actually for the newer 26 but will easily adapt to others. You will need to change the mast step to the new hinged style. Before I installed the kit I dreaded the mast raising/lowering and had to enlist help as I have a blown knee. Now I can put it up and take it down at will. Best money I ever spent. -John
Contact either MacGregor in California or Blue Water Yachts (BWY) and buy a mast raising kit. I got one for my 25 from MacGregor for about $99. It came complete with the baby stays and hardware. It is actually for the newer 26 but will easily adapt to others. You will need to change the mast step to the new hinged style. Before I installed the kit I dreaded the mast raising/lowering and had to enlist help as I have a blown knee. Now I can put it up and take it down at will. Best money I ever spent. -John
mast raising
If you get a copy of the current Winter 2006 "Boatworks" magazine there is a good homemade system illustrated on pp. 48-51. If you can't find the mag email me and I'll send you a photocopy. Larry Abbott/laabbott@cushing.org
If you get a copy of the current Winter 2006 "Boatworks" magazine there is a good homemade system illustrated on pp. 48-51. If you can't find the mag email me and I'll send you a photocopy. Larry Abbott/laabbott@cushing.org
Pics of a winch system that is easy to build
Complete mast raising system made from scratch. All intstruction needed and pics to boot. Found it over at Trailersailing group at Yahoo. http://www.catalina18.net/articles/mast_raiser.htm
Complete mast raising system made from scratch. All intstruction needed and pics to boot. Found it over at Trailersailing group at Yahoo. http://www.catalina18.net/articles/mast_raiser.htm
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