Drop the mast or boatswain chair? Jib halyard stuck..

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1977oday22

1977oday22

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Dec 26, 2009
211
Oday 22 cleveland
As we all know in boating, there is a first time for everything.
While I was sailing this weekend, I was to raising the jib and the shackle let go, while about 3/4 hoist. Of course, the eye shot straight up to the top of the mast and stuck there. I've tried a super long pole with a hook but there's nothing to grab on and it just needs the good old fingers to pluck it out and bring it down.

The mast is about 24ft tall.

Is it necessary to lower the mast or would a chair work?
I'm about 150lbs and could take my main halyard to the winch and have somebody crank me up.
 
RECESS

RECESS

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Dec 20, 2003
1,509
Catalina 27 . St. Mary's Georgia
On a 22 if I had a trailer, I would just drop the mast. On my 25, I would just drop the mast rather than go up to the top.
 
RichBone

RichBone

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Sep 25, 2008
992
Oday 25 Gibraltar
You could do it either way.
Is the boat in the water or on the trailer?
Do you raise your mast by gin pole or brute strength with a couple of guys?

Going up the mast isn't that bad. I've gone up several times on different boats; at the dock and out on the water (I'm 150# and usually the smallest one on board). It can be done quickly but you need to know what you're doing. You say you can get the halyard to the winch. Are the halyards led to the cockpit or is it an external halyard that's led to the winch from the masthead? I wouldn't want to do it without somebody cranking and someone tailing. Are the halyards in good shape? Don't shackle the line to the chair. Use a bowline knot. On a 22' boat make sure the water is calm.

There's a first time for everything. Going up and coming down.

Rich
 
1977oday22

1977oday22

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Dec 26, 2009
211
Oday 22 cleveland
RBone said:
You could do it either way.
Is the boat in the water or on the trailer?
Do you raise your mast by gin pole or brute strength with a couple of guys?

Going up the mast isn't that bad. I've gone up several times on different boats; at the dock and out on the water (I'm 150# and usually the smallest one on board). It can be done quickly but you need to know what you're doing. You say you can get the halyard to the winch. Are the halyards led to the cockpit or is it an external halyard that's led to the winch from the masthead? I wouldn't want to do it without somebody cranking and someone tailing. Are the halyards in good shape? Don't shackle the line to the chair. Use a bowline knot. On a 22' boat make sure the water is calm.

There's a first time for everything. Going up and coming down.

Rich
Click to expand
I keep her in the water and the trailer is several miles away. The halyard is external and in deceint shape. I'm going to give it a shot tomm and see how it goes, I'm guessing I'll know after the first few feet. Normally I'd muscle the mast down or up with a few guys. The chair idea was the guy next to me who's done it a few times. (It's his chair). Cranking, tailing and a bowline are all in order.
I'll let you know how it goes & thanks for the info!

Kevin
 
Joe11688

Joe11688

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Jan 24, 2005
4,881
Oday 222 Dighton, Ma.
1977oday22 said:
No problems whatsoever....and...it was quick.
Got the biggest guy I could find to crank me up....Skip.
Total time about 15 min.
Eventhough it doesn't appear that high....When you're on the pole it's a different story.
Sweet!
Click to expand
I did that many years ago Kevin. I was a little lighter back then but I had a guy winch me up my mast to turn my windex around. I had mounted it backward with the vane facing toward the bow. Like a dumbbell, I didn't catch my mistake until the mast, boom and sails were up. S*&# happens!
Joe
 
LordNelson

LordNelson

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Sep 20, 2006
367
Oday 20 Seneca Lake
Gives you an appreciation of the Tall Ships and what the sailors went through.

joe: how can you install it backwards, doesn't it turn to face the wind? are you sure it was backwards and someone wasn't just pulling your leg to get you to climb the mast :)
 
Joe11688

Joe11688

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Jan 24, 2005
4,881
Oday 222 Dighton, Ma.
LordNelson said:
Gives you an appreciation of the Tall Ships and what the sailors went through.

joe: how can you install it backwards, doesn't it turn to face the wind? are you sure it was backwards and someone wasn't just pulling your leg to get you to climb the mast :)
Click to expand
My Davis Windex has a "V" shaped wire with a couple of little plastic do hickies on each end, that should be facing aft when you install it on that 12" extension bar at the top of the mast. I installed it with the "V" pointing forward. It should be pointing aft. I'm trying to look ashamed right now. :redface: You just can't see me. :D

Ahoy!
Joe
 
RichBone

RichBone

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Sep 25, 2008
992
Oday 25 Gibraltar
LordNelson said:
Gives you an appreciation of the Tall Ships and what the sailors went through.

joe: how can you install it backwards, doesn't it turn to face the wind? are you sure it was backwards and someone wasn't just pulling your leg to get you to climb the mast :)
Click to expand
Good one

Rich
 
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