Irwin 25 Mast Lowering Tips?

[FLHippy]

I've lost my main halyard up the mast this past weekend. This is of course after loosing the other halyard the weekend before. You would think I learned my lesson but anyway... I need to lower the mast and check out those sheaves anyway.

I have a 1970 Irwin 25 with a deck stepped mast.

Can anyone point me to some general advice on lowering the mast? Can I leave the sidestays tight, the back stay on, and just lower it with a winch on the forestay? Can I do all this without a gin pole? Is it possible for me to do this alone?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dansam55]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I too have a 25' Irwin and unstepped the mast last fall. You will need help and a gin pole or something similar would really help if not be necessary. After putting pressure on the mast with the gin pole, I loosened shrouds on the sides, and back stay as it seemed easier than messing with the rolling furler at the forestay. Once the mast can be lifted high enough-- only 4 inches-- she's swinging free and can be set down on the deck where you could retrieve the halyard. The gin pole made it all possible and with the weight and unpredictability of the mast, I can't imagine doing it any other way. The mast is VERY heavy.