Gin pole/ mast raising

[SoggieLoggie]

All,

I tried to raise the mast on my Hunter 26 for the first time today..it doesn't seem overly complected but I have a question about the gin pole. It does not fit well into the mounting hole at the base of the mast. I'm wondering if I am missing a part or have the wrong gin pole? What am I missing? Thanks in advance!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Look at the end of the pole as it is cut to fit the conture of the inside of the mast. If not, then start grinding the end to fit the inside. YOu will note that the wire loops are in parallel to the mast or up and down.

 

[kpgraci]

I don't know how the specific pole-mast connection you're working with is supposed to fit (seems it should be somewhat snug?) but the pole does not 'lever' the mast up, it only experiences compression forces so technically all it needs to do is not slip off the mast, which seems to be accomplished with your setup.

 

[tkaser3210]

Gin pole

It does not fit snugly in the mast hole. As long as you have it aligned correctly in the hole (cable loops fore/aft), it will work fine. The tension on the pole when you pull the mainsheet tight will keep it in place.

Don't forget the baby stays!

 

[SoggieLoggie]

Thanks guys...it does have a notch which fits the contour in the mast. It just seemed really sloppy to me and that kind of freaked me out. Dropping a mast, especially mine, does not sound like a lot of fun to me. It seems like the pole would still go side to side? what is to keep it from doing that?

 

[jblersch]

Your system is just like mine on my 240. The gin pole doesn't fit snuggly into the hole on my mast either. That freaked me out a bit at first too (this is my third season with the boat) but once you tension the halyard and the mainsheet it will be held in place.

My bit of advice: watch the spreaders and make sure they don't get caught up on the lifelines as the mast is being raised or lowered.

 

[justsomeguy]

You can install baby stays, or get a grip on the upwind shroud while lowering, to position the drop to the mast crutch.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

It should not fit snug. There has been plenty of play in my gin pole since I picked up my boat from the dealer.

The only purpose of the gin pole is to provide a good lifting angle for the halyard / block & tackle in relationship to the mast. The part that slips into the mast provides no mechanical leverage.

One tip: The sloppy fit of the gin pole means you have to watch your up and down angles. Secure your jib halyard so that the gin pole is 90' or slightly less of an angle with the mast. This is the angle on the upper side of the gin pole. If you get too great of an angle, the gin pole will run out of room before the mast is all the way up.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

a couple of thngs sir. Never grab the pole during raising and lowering of the mast or it will bend and you will loose the mast. Make sure when you put the pole in and attached to the jib halyard, never pull it so hard agaiinst the top portion of the hole. If you have any questions, send me your phone number to me at davecondon@mindspring.com. I am the one who showed the system to Hunter.

Crazy Dave condon

 

[SoggieLoggie]

Took the advice from this forum in regards to the gin pole. Went up and down smoothly...thanks for the help!!

 

[Kivalo]

That's how my Gin pole looked as well, it should work perfectly fine. I have dumped my mast from almost standing right down to the deck when a piece broke. My brothers own an archery manufacturing company so I had them repair my Gin pole for me.

Brad
s/v KIVALO

Thanks guys...it does have a notch which fits the contour in the mast. It just seemed really sloppy to me and that kind of freaked me out. Dropping a mast, especially mine, does not sound like a lot of fun to me. It seems like the pole would still go side to side? what is to keep it from doing that?