How to raise mast

[niteflyer]

I am a new owner of a Hunter 290, because of the short season in Jackso Hole for sailing, combined with the fact the boat did not arrive until late August; we elected to use a crane truck to raise the mast. Also used it yesterday to lower it when we pulled it out of the lake.I would like to know if someone knows a good mast raising system that two people could use to raise and lower the mast on a Hunter 290. Crane trucks are expensive to use. Thank you Tom Needham

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Afraid not

Unless you backed up to a mighty steep hill, you would lack the leverage to get it up and you would then lose the leverage to hold it in place. Perhaps the alternative is to plan not to lower the mast once you have it up.

 

[Rick H260]

mast raising

Rental companies have manlifts that will reach up the 80 or so feet (boat on the dry and several feet from bucket to mast). Attaching the mast to a stout rope on the manlift bucket would handle the weight, I think, and three tether lines would allow for positioning....I don't know what the cost difference would be between a half day of a crane and the same time for a bucket lift. Also a thought...check with your insurance agent for coverage in case anything goes horribly wrong. If the boat's covered and if your savings are substantial, then it's a potential alternative?