Going up the mast

[Joe Boyette]

I'm hesitant to go up the mast on my 25.5. I weigh 210 lbs. There are a couple of things I need to do such as re-tape my spreader boots, adjust the windex arms, etc... Has anyone used a bosuns chair on a boat this small, or is my best bet to drop the rig? In the past we have just dropped the rig while on the hard.

 

[Bill]

up and away

I (185 lbs) have been up the mast of my 25.5 a few times, but think you should consider one of two alternatives: Drop the mast (takes two or more) or find a 14 year old. I find it difficult to do repairs while held by a rope and the 25.5 will likely sway some as you move around. I found it easier to do repairs if I simply drop the mast. My son has also gone up the mast to fix a few things. He was around 100 lbs at the time and it was a lot easier, but I still think it better to drop the mast. You can do the repairs in relative comfort and will need help in any event. If you (or someone else) goes up, be sure to use a second halyard as a safety line.

 

[Dave Busby]

Here's what I did...with my 25.5.

Joe, here is what I did....I am 250 and too old...So I got my son to help me, and we just used a double dock space, put the boat in stern first, tied the boat up diagonally, then lowered the mast by an extension line on the jib halyard (with a single block, on the fore- stay tie point), ran line to winch (for main)and lowered the mast. The top of the mast in now over the main dock, and I can do any maintenance I want, without droping everythiny in the water. Just do it on a week-day, when the dock is not busy, and don't keep it down more than an hout or two. Then use the winch and line to pull the mast back up, while some one helps guide the mast up. Works for me...

 

[Wanderer138]

If you don't have help

You might try one of the mast-raising rigs in the Photo Forum to lower the mast. Any of these rigs should work on the water with no problem. Since the boom has to be removed to lower the mast, the mainsheet tackle will be available. While someone may be able to catch the upper part of the mast as it comes down, you're probably going to need something to support it fore and aft while you're doing the repairs. One more thing...keep a couple of new sheaves and new lightbulbs handy so that if you find the ones in the masthead are worn or broken, they can be replaced right away. Give the mainsail track a generous shot of teflon lubricant (like McLube or SailKote) too while you're at it. Good luck!PeterH23 "Raven"