Help! Mast raising problems...

[Chris & Lenore]

Tried to raise the mast on our 26S tonight. Followed the instructions except for using the main halyard instead of the jib halyard. The boat has CDI furling and no jib halyard was fitted. I couldn't get the furling unit within a foot of it's attachment point! Also, the shrouds were quite slack. Supposedly nothing was adjusted the last time the mast was lowered. According to the instructions, there should be enough forestay tension to induce a slight bend in the upper mast. This would only be the case if the mast was being raised with the jib halyard. I still can't see that making a foot/10 inches of difference - or would it? The backstay adjuster is at it's maximum (the inner part only has 4 holes in it - unlike the shrouds - is this normal). Any help apreciated - while I track down the PO. Thanks, Chris

 

[Steve Paul]

Aw oh

Chris, I had the 26S with CDI furler. It sounds as though something has been altered or caught.I'd check the furler attachment to make certain it's not adjusted to be too short. Don't forget we want that turnbuckle tight so it won't come undone. Second, use the head stem end of the furler to pull up the mast if you're using the step system with the gin pole attachment.Again, make sure nothing is twisted and the mast is stepped properly. The CDI requires a special forestay to adjust for the length of the furler assembly. You may want to check this length and make positive it's correct. For starters make sure the mast is level (straight vertical at 90 deg. to the deck when up. Either the forestay is wrong or the backstay is wrong. I believe these measurements are known and should be easy to check with mast down. If you find the forestay is actually too short a tang could be added from the mast end of the forestay attachment, or you could order a new forestay of the right length. Like you, the PO should verify it all worked when you bought it.Good Luck,Steve P.Nashville, IN

 

[Marty 26d]

Happened to me also

Hi thereHad the same thing happen to me....just a minor twist...kink... in the backstay caused me to be one foot short. Check it.Marty26d

 

[Steve Paul]

If all is well / then

If nothing is kinked up, forestay is correct length then perhaps a new backstay adjuster is in order. Could be a wrong part. We still think somethings kinked up.Steve P.