C-22 Mast stepping 1986

[Brandon Pellow]

Bought a 1986 C-22 and I am going to go pick it up this weekend at a local lake but need some advice on how to step the mast up and down. I am only so familiar with this in that my previous sailing experience regularly involved this operation for a Nacra multi-hull. Thus I learned very quickly how things can get away from you and they are only funny if you are watching someone else make the mistakes. And can't get there to help in time.Which stays to disconnect?Which stays to leave connected?Lower it using the winch on the trailer or by hand using a rope attached to the forward stay?Any information is much appreciated.Brandon

 

[Brad Baldwin]

Stepping Mast

Have some one to help. Disconnect the two lower forward shrouds and the forestay. The winch sounds like a great idea, but you can also lower it with a rope tied to the forestay. The tabernacle should hold the mast from kicking out. You can download the complete instructions at www.spiritone.com/~mack/c22/manuals/mnl77/manl77.htm Good Luck

 

[Dan Forster]

step device

When I bought my Cat22 the previous owner had purchased a device (I do not recall the exact name but it is sold by Catalina Direct) that attaches to the two rudder eyes on the stern. It is a telescoping Y brace that the mast fits into. When taking the mast down raise the telescope so that when you lower the mast the Y cathces it at a high angle. You then lower the Y for trailering. This is a more controlled descent. Do the reverse when raising. The Y also helps to hold the mast in place when trailering.Keep in mind, that if you bring the mast all the way down without taking out the pin at it's foot it rests on the cabin roof and will, I believe, cause damage. Without the Y brace have someone assisting hold the mast up standing in the cockpit while you take out the pin and walk the mast forward to rest on the bowsprit.Hope this helps.

 

[Jay Beery]

C22 step device

Dan and Brad are both right on the money, but I can't help but put my two cents in. I made my own mastup with a green treated 8ft 2x4, a couple of little angles with pins to go into the rudder loops, and a bow roller on top. The roller lets me put the upper part of the mast on the roller then from the bow gently push the mast aft until the lower end can lay in the tabernackel. I also ended up drilling a hole in the bottom pin that goes through the "rudder loops". This keeps the device attached to the boat in the often case that a shroud gets hooked on the bow roller. I then use the mainsheet hooked to the jib halyard and anything stout on the bow or trailer to hoist the mast up. I usually stand in the cockpit with the mast on my shoulder and walk forward and pull on the mainsheet, steading the mast as it goes up. It seems to work great. My sailing buddy timed me, I had no idea he was timing me, at eight minuets by myself! But! And a big BUT. He was there to help me the first few times I stepped the mast. Always have help if you are uncomfortable stepping the mast. It can be an animal if it gets away from you!Good Luck, Jay Beeryvettesrus@mciworldcom.netemail above if you have any questions!

 

[H.M.]

Stepping and UnStepping Cat 22 Mast

Couldn't get on the website for a more exact method of stepping..unstepping. Do you keep the bolt in at the foot of the mast? My only experience had the mast slide out of the tabernacle and land to the starboard..... No damage this time. H.M.