Dave -- Dwyer Mast

[Sam Morgan]

Dave - my mast is a Dwyer mast. It has a fitting on the front of the mast for the raising pole that has two ears, one on each side. The raising (gin??) pole goes between these ears and then a pin goes through a hole in one ear, through the pole, and through the other ear. The pin is just long enough to go through the assembly. I have ordered a new gin pole as the other one was bent by compression loads and then the lower part of the pole was damaged when the pole flopped over to the starboard side of the boat. Do you have any idea about what caused the pole to flop over? How critical is the angle of the pole to the mast when raising the mast. What could I do to ensure the new pole does not flop over when under load?Sam

 

[John Baumgartner]

Same question

I have the same experance, I just have someone (me, easy job), make sure the pole doesn't go port or stbd.John Baums Rush

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

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It would be ideal for the pole to be perpindiuclar to the mast but you have to realize that the jib halyard will stretch under load, therefore, I suggest raising the pole 5-10 degrees upward to counter react for the stretch and you will have enough block and line left to attach the forestay. Never keep that tension on long as it is not good and whenever you have to check on something and have to leave the line on the block and tackle with the mast raising system in place without the forestay being attached, tie off the line to the mast raise for safety sake.I must mention to everyone who has the style for the pole inserted into the mast to be careful and not pull up so far to damage the mast. Take time and look fellows.Back to the dwyer. With all poles, never pull or push on them as that will surely bend the pole under tension and that is for all poles.Try to raise the mast on level ground and of course look up as to make sure there is no over4head obstruction from where the mast goes up and into the water.Back to the Dwyer, it will flop easier to the side than the pole insertion style and that is why raising/lowering on level ground is important. Sometimes that is not the case and I will lean againt it to steady sideways. YOu can also grab the line to move it sideways. I hope this answers your questions. Crazy Dave Condon