Hunter 260 Mast Raising System

[Jollygreen]

Has anyone made a mast raising system for the H-260 like the system the Macgregor 26 uses, or any other improved system to make it easier to step and unstep the mast single or short handed? I am not comfortable with the mainsheet / winch the Hunter uses.

 

[canmor]

Mast raising

I have used the Macgregor system on a 26x, and the Hunter 260 system. Both single handed. I thought about Macgregors brake winch on Hunter style gin pole. You would still need to use Hunter's haylard. The mast on Hunter is much heaver. The only advantage I think with a new system is not using the mainsheet tackle. 'Could save a few minutes on stepping up the mast.
Wander'in Star

 

[soling42]

I use a 12v atv winch w/remote powered by a 12v jumpstart pack that will do the job 3-4 times in a single charge. It took a little time to stream line the process but at one point I could easily/quickly step the rig on the water while chugging down the canal we docked at. I use a folding closure at the forestay base and installed simple keeper/guides on all the T-fittings.

I can't imagine doing it any other way. Here's a few pics. good luck.
Mike

 

[Deucer]

Dave,

When you put the folding closure on the forestay, did you have to have the sail recut?

 

[soling42]

Don't need to change the sail as the forestay is plenty long but you will need to shorten the forestay by the length of the closure of your choice so the mast rake remains unchanged. Mine is about 5". If you have a furler like mine you need to cut a small piece of the excess pvc extrusion out to fit also. It's a simple upgrade but the new forestay fitting needs to be done with a swage press by a rigger. Cost me $15 plus the closure(available at CS Johnson or your local rigger).
Mike

 

[Deucer]

I think I'm going to re-rig my boat next year and think I'll have this done. One other question. I currently rig my boat according to the instruction for raising the mast. I've got Charleston Spar and the halyards come out of the mast foot. This causes a LOT of torque on the mast that I counter by running a second line from the top of the mast foot to the opposite side of the boat. But I was thinking that if I secured the jib halyard to the mast instead of the cabin top, it would eliminate the torque. Would like anybody else's thoughts.

 

[Rick Webb]

I Have Always Cleated my Halyard to the Mast

Thought that was safer

 

[soling42]

I agree with Rick. Tie off the jib and spinnaker halyard to the mast. I usually just take it around the mast at shoulder height(or wherever yours exits the mast) with a good knot or two.
Good luck. Mike

 

[Deucer]

Think I'll try that next time I raise the mast. Already had to replace the mast base once because of the fatigue introduced by the torque.

 

[Jollygreen]

Re: Mast raising

Mike (Soling 42), i really like youe system using the ATV electric winch. How did you attach the winch to the eye in the anchor locker?

 

[soling42]

I attached an eye bolt under the center of the winch drum and used a threaded link to the attachment fitting in the anchor well. See pic above. Good luck and like all these rigs require, make sure the rigging/fittings are aligned and seated properly before taking up the last few inches.

Mike