Is this a correct mast pin?

[gitpicker2007]

This is the bolt/nut the previous owner used for the wooden beam used to transport the mast during towing.
Should I use the same bolt/nut for holding the mast?
I ask because I only have experience sailing my Hobie Cat, and that mast used a type of a pin ( I think it's called a "clevis" pin, or something like that, and it was easy on and off. This looks like pliers are needed to step the mast.

Please tell me if this is right or wrong pin, as I'm taking the boat out for the first time tomorrow.

thanks

anthony

 

[Cope]

I use a wingnut in place of that Nylock and a grade 8 bolt with fender washers. I can only think that the transport mast holder is not helping your mast step. My center transport support fits nice and snug in the mast step, no side loading in transit.

Yes the mast pin is a bolt and nut and what you have will work, just kinda a hassle.

 

[$tingy Sailor]

Ditto on the wingnut, especially if you trailer sail. I believe I read somewhere that the standard equipment bolt is 5/16". I've been using 1/4", which is a little easier to insert if you're single-handing and also if you have a boom vang bail to go through like mine. I doubt that bolt sees much sheering force and I'd bet the step or compression post would fail before the bolt.

 

[gitpicker2007]

hey stingy, thanks. I think I'm going to look into building a bigger support. I never thought about that until you mentioned it. These look fairly homemade. Do you have something different?

 

[watercolors II]

The bolt is correct size for the mast, you just need an additional wooded shim inserted between the inside of the mast base and the mast support to keep it from moving sideways during trailering.

 

[gitpicker2007]

Watercolors, thanks very much. I really appreciate all the advice, from all the members.
This is going to be a learning experience, and today is my first day out on the boat.

anthony

 

[$tingy Sailor]

Mast supports

Here's what I use:

A piece of PVC fence rail notched for pulpit and mast. I put a full wrap of the motorcycle strap around the mast and cinch it down to the bow cleats.

Although unnecessary, a piece of PVC pipe notched for the mast and a slit piece of tubing on the bottom to keep it from wiggling around. Makes the mast a little more stable on bumpy roads and less noise.

My homemade mast stepper. It telescopes up for stepping. Two motorcycle straps stabilize it during trailering. I cinch a ratchet strap between it and the masthead to keep the mast from rolling backward while going down the road.

 

[Gene Neill]

Stingy, how the heck did you cut that pipe so nicely for the "step crutch"?

And my wife wants to know about your stern pulpit seats. Are they home made?

 

[$tingy Sailor]

I just drew it on the pipe, cut it out with a jigsaw, and sanded the edges smooth : ) With the mast in its trailering position, I measured from the deck to the bottom of the mast minus the small amount of sag and layed out my cuts from there along the centerline of the pipe with the help of a drafting compass.

The stern perch in the picture is actually a prototype out of scrap plywood that I'm going to try this season and perfect the shape (maybe even include a cup holder) before making a permanent one out of teak marine plywood. It's held onto the railing with plastic clips so that it's removable. Maybe I'll make a blog project out of it and include a pattern. Beats sitting on that railing alone while steering the outboard.