For mast crutch h260, easy to use from Lowes 1 1/4 x 72 inch galvanized pipe and t-head joints. $70 and hour. Still tinkering. PICS.

[Davenport]

For mast crutch h260, easy to use from Lowes 1 1/4 x 72 inch galvanize pipe and t-head joints. $70. .
Still tinkering, want mast spreaders to just kiss some plywood and blankets. Will later try sliding a bit to reconnect mast side braces, later. PICS.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If you want my help, you know wom I am.

 

[Davenport]

I slid mast and attached mast base side braces, help avoid roll or pressure on mast wing thingee. The mast upper wing thingee is only barely kissing the wood planks, really. I did angle mast a tiny bit, 5 degrees to right side of boat . . . However if one has only this short 6 foot mast crutch and drop the front of mast into front h260 pulpit railing there is touching (of mast side wire and the strap metal of the mast base side braces thingee). See pic. So mast could be dropped into front nook but then gotta wrap stuff in cloth to avoid metal on metal scratching. With a full size 8ft mast crutch there is no touching, the mast rises sharply towards rear with longer crutch. I hope that makes sense. So in a pinch 6ft pipe can make h260 mast crutch. But as explained a bit longer pipe would be better, 7+ ft..... Happy summer heat!!! Thanks. D

 

[Daveinet]

I'd recommend using a deep V roller for the cradle. The reason is, it will allow you to walk the mast back and attach the base to the step. Also don't be afraid to have the rear of the mast stick up a bit. As long as you can fit under bridges when towing, no harm in having it slanted down hill going forward. This puts it at a nice height for raising. You can switch from transport to raising position, without changing crutches. I figured this out after a long day of sailing and found I was too worn out to bother switching crutches. It downed on me that there was no advantage to having the mast level for transport. As long as there was no height clearance issues, why not?
Think through your setup procedure and try to minimize the number of steps it take to get from transport to launch ready. I could go from transport to launch in about 20 minutes. You can save a lot of time by designing your system for efficiency. Its well worth it when the sun is beating down and the temps are in the 90s. Saves a lot of sweat. Yes, I sail a different boat, but the principle applies.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@Davenport
I noted a seat installed on the aft gas locker lid in the rear cockpit. Nice idea. Who installed it?

 

[Davenport]

Unknown who added princess gas seat to my h260. There is also a disconnected outboard mechanism there. Boat is at Kemah on Texas ocean, probably been sitting in saltwater 20 years except painting maybe.

Even without a gin pole can one crank on a rope from front to lift the mast up, which yes will put a lot of downforce the angles are low, but some force should be left to lift mast? I have no gin pole and wow it's like $70 to buy a pipe plus more to equip to cut it. - D