R
Ray Trombino
One of the advantages of the H-260 is that the B&R rig makes it easy to lower the mast, even on the water. I have to go under a fixed railroad bridge (26 foot MHWL) every time I go out. When we bought our boat, we worked with the dealer (Norton's Yachts) to be sure this could be done. First, we removed the reefing hooks above the boom, and put a cleat on the side of the mast. Then we installed a downhaul to the luff of the mainsail for reefing. I also built a 4-to-1 block arrangement (just like the main sheet) which we keep permanently in the anchor locker. The lifting pole is permanently attached to the base of the mast, and I installed two clamps (for holding a gin pole) to the mast to store the lifting pole when not in use. Now I was ready to sail. As we approach the bridge, my wifle takes the helm. I go forward, lower the lifting pole, and attach it to the jib halyard and the tackle in the anchor locker. Then, I release the main sheet and remove the cunningham, and raise the boom as high as it will go. Finally, after checking that the bimini is furled, I tighten the tackle, release the head stay (and attach it to halyard shackle), and then lower the mast. From experience, we found that if there is any pressure on the boom, from the cockpit deck or from the hatch, it will break the gooseneck, so we stop just before the boom touches anything. Once under the bridge, I connect the line from the anchor locker to a winch, and winch the mast back up, and secure the head stay. The struts prevent any lateral movement of the mast, which would be a problem on any other boat. We leave the mainsal on the boom for this, and only once in five seasons has my radio antenna hit the bridge. On the attached photo, you can see the lifting pole above the sail cover, next to the mast.I'm listed in the owner's directory if you have any questions.Ray TrombinoSand DollarAquia Harbour, VA
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