Dropping the mast for winter storage

[Terry]

As a new boat owner getting ready to winterize a boat for the first time, I'm confused by the "mast down, mast up" controversy. About half of the people in our harbor take the mast down, but I've never done it before and am worried about the process this fall as well as next spring. We have a 26' O-Day and live in St. Louis where the winters can be very harsh. Any advice would be very helpful. Thanks!

 

[Steve Growcock]

mast raising system

Terry:Mr. Tews of Texas fame has previously distributed the a .pdf file about the oday 25 mast raising system. It may translate to the 26. You can find it in the Oday Manuals Section off this website's home page. Else email me at grdn@swbell.net and I will forward to you.As you live in St. Louis (go Cards, Blues, and Rams), I assume you sail at Carlyle. I'm at Boulder. Depending on schedule, I may be able to assist you when you take the mast down. Regards,Steve Growcock

 

[dave]

lol

i know st louis well and your weather sure goes from one extreme to the other BUT i would never take a mast down unless there was a need to. if you are tuned and rigged why do it!??

 

[Mike]

Take it Down

I always wondered why it should be removed -- I thought marinas that trailered boats to a yard had to do it. Then someone explained to me that wind puts pressure on a mast and the boat does not rock to relieve that pressure when it is on land. Therefore, you put more stress on the rig over the winter leaving it up. Plus I've heard horror stories about stong winds knocking them over.