How often to take mast down?

[drchpete]

I have a 2003 Hunter 466 and have never had the mast down. Can't speak for the previous owner so I'll assume it's never been down. It sails New England so sees a few months of light use each summer. The question is: How often should the rig be taken down for the winter and checked over? I've heard 5 years, 10 years, never...but all seem random. Considering it's relatively light use, does anyone know when or why I should take it down for justifiable reasons other than paranoia?

Another thing I've heard is that one should loosen the tension on the shrouds and stays (I have no back-stay) a little in the winter so it's not so stiff against the wind while in the stands. Any comments?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I don't think there is a good answer. About the best suggestion I can make is have your rigger do a thorough inspection by going up the mast. A good rigger can evaluate the condition by which you can judge whether there is a need to step the mast.

As far as loosening the rigging, aluminum (mast) contracts more with cold weather than does steel (rigging) thereby loosening the rigging naturally. Doing anything more can exacerbate the movement of the mast so there is not only no need to loosen the rigging but it's a bad idea.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I had two very good riggers and one told me to loosen the rigging in the off season, the other sad never loosen it. Both claimed it was easier on the rig .

We took our mast down this year (10 years old). I will replace the standing rigging and go over the electrical connections, antenna, lube the furler, etc. Some of it could be done with the mast up but much easier for me when it is horizontal.

Bob

 

[drchpete]

I agree all is easier with the mast down, the rigging is my biggest concern. Concerned it's a problem. Concerned it isn't.... and I'm wasting time and $ Problem is, I'm really not that concerned but I don't want to be foolish either. Anyone out there who've had a mast up for 20 years without problems?

 

[Paul F]

More than likely you are alright for a few years. My old 1980 rigging was up over 30 years before replacement. But, most sources say to change the standing rigging 10-15 years. When you do that take a close look at chain plates too. Unless you are replacing the rigging there is no real need to un-step the mast. (Aren't boats fun)

 

[Rick486]

I have roller furling in the main so I pull the mast every 3 years and disassemble the furling mechanism, clean, and lubricate. Also inspect the rest of the rig.

 

[artboas]

Depends if salt or fresh water

I have roller furling in the main so I pull the mast every 3 years and disassemble the furling mechanism, clean, and lubricate. Also inspect the rest of the rig.

In salt water, definitely pay closer attention
I would say 5 years in salt
Longer in fresh
Don't loosen rigging over the winter.
It will make the mast "pump" could see more stress cracks because of it

 

[Nom De Guerre]

My mast comes down every fall haul out and is stored off the boat/inspected over the winter.

Un-stepping was free with my C22 and is $25 with my H28.5 (plus $115 for the boat haul).

It's not difficult and is worth it to be able to go over everything yearly, at my leisure.

 

[Scott B]

I also agree....... on both points.

I don't think there is a good answer. About the best suggestion I can make is have your rigger do a thorough inspection by going up the mast. A good rigger can evaluate the condition by which you can judge whether there is a need to step the mast.

As far as loosening the rigging, aluminum (mast) contracts more with cold weather than does steel (rigging) thereby loosening the rigging naturally. Doing anything more can exacerbate the movement of the mast so there is not only no need to loosen the rigging but it's a bad idea.