H26 1996 Lower the Mast Quesions???

[abk]

I stepped it up this spring with Crazy Dave's and forum members help...

Now that I need to lower it... I recall that I set the main sheet control blocks and as I hauled it up, I could rest the sheet in the inline jam cleat.

But on the way down I don't think that this is possible... Should I use a winch to lower it safely? Is there a way to rig the blocks differently so I can use the jam cleat?

Thanks in advance

ABK

 

[John23883]

it's very easy and safe

No jam cleat needed. Don't worry, (make sure you are wearing gloves) once you release the main sheet from the jam cleat, just ease it down. Gravity does all the work and it just goes right down. I usually stand and face the mast so I can watch it go down, which shows how hard I have to hold it. If it was as hard as raising it, I would have to be sitting and facing the main sheet. Really, simply grip hard and it stops going down, it won't yank you off your feet if that's what you are afraid of.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

ABK;

When you release the line at the jam cleat, make sure you do so with your foot of course with a shoe on as there is a lot of tension so you will not pull you finger off. Also, do not try to move the mast by grabbing the mast raise pole or you could cause it to bend and you will then loose control.