H23 mast raising

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Mar 23, 2006
35
Hunter 23 Montague, MA
I have finally made the mast raising easier with a new mast crutch. See attached photo. I believe this design was suggested by Peter Suah. I also use the stabalizing system from John Sylvester (see link) as it is quicker to set up that the tripod system. I will post a reply to this with another view of the top of the crutch. With this I can raise and lower the mast singlehanded, though it still takes about 45 minutes.
 

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Rob Morton

Nice Job

I just got done making the tripod support and tried it two days ago and it was so nice not having to worry about the mast going sideways. I just bought a roller to make what you have. How does the crank up winch work out? I was giving thought to a line and cam cleat to raise the rear support. How High does the mast support go when you have it up? Thanks, Rob Morton S/V Euphoria h23
 
Mar 23, 2006
35
Hunter 23 Montague, MA
Support height

I'll have to measure it and let you know. If you have the original, it goes to the same height. I have the original support that I use for trailering as this one is heavy on the pintles. I'm worried about shock loads when traveling. The crank works great. You have to rin the cable which has a loop on the end into the bottom of the inner support. Make sure that you elongate the hole and file it so that it doesn't chafe the cable. Then run a small clevis pin through the support to hold the cable in place. The outer tube keeps the pin from coming out. I'll get back to you on the height..
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
That's very slick

I can see from the long handle and the gearing that you get a tremendous mechanical advantage. It also looks like it has ratchet so you can stop safely at any time on the way up or down. Very nicely done. Peter H23 "Raven"
 
M

Mike B

Missing something ?

Am I missing something here. Have we re-invented the wheel? What was wrong with the original gin pole/pelican hook mast raising system? I have never had a problem with stepping or lowering mine single-handed while on the trailer or in the water. I park the trailer and have the boat in the water and underway in 20 minutes.
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Why we build better mousetraps

It's real simple...the same mousetrap (or wheel) doesn't work equally well for everybody. 1) Unlike the H23.5, Mac 26 and other later designs, the 1986 to 1989 wing keel H23 (the "original H23") never had a gin pole or other mast raising aid. 2) the original H23 mast is 4 ft taller than most boats of similar length. It's not heavy but the moment arm of the extra four feet is a killer. 3) the mast step hinge on the original H23 was weak and broke easily if the mast swung off to the side (mine broke years ago). Once that happens you can kiss conventional mast raising goodbye. 4) not everybody has someone else to help raise the mast 5) not everyone has the strength to raise the mast singlehanded. I'm pretty beefy but I'm also not getting any younger. I'll probably need one of these gizmos in a few years. Uh, lemme see that picture again... What's clear to me is that an H23 owner will do whatever it takes to overcome these obstacles and sail the boat. Congrats again, Chief. Peter H23 "Raven"
 
Jun 7, 2004
39
- - Long Island NY
The Better Mouse Trap

I have to second Peter on this one. I have been using Peter's mast raising rig, slightly altered, for 3 years now and have to say it makes an incredible difference in the ability to raise the mast single handed. The biggest advance is safety. I no longer need to be right below the 30' foot mast (and I have the old Kenyon heavy mast)and rely on my shoulders to lift the mast the first 5 ft. Again, for the boat owners with newer boats, the gin pole is great but classic's like the H23 are worth inventing/ innovating stepping/launching aids. /Chuck S/V Windsongs '85 H23
 
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