Keel Info/Stepping Mast

[Jim Henry]

Does anyone know what the horizontal distance (or "wingspan") is on the fins of a 26.5 keel? I'm trying to get a new (new to me anyway) 26.5 transported, and the boatyard asked about this measurement.Also, does anybody have any good advice on stepping/unstepping the mast for this boat?Thanks,Jim.

 

[Eric Jensen]

Wing Span

Jim That dimension is 24.00 inches. Steping the mast is a bit tricky, are you going to do by hand or will there be facilities available to lift it in place. Alos I have a Z Spar rig, I think there were Seldons used as well and I don't know about those. If you have a crane or jib boom and you have a Z Spar, its not to bad. The mast steps on a plate attached to the deck which has bosses about 1.50 inches high that fit the inside of the mast's cross section. If you have to step it by hand you will need to fit a mast tabernacle or a mast hinge to the base. These are both available through Dwyer Aluminum mast co. 2 Commerce Drive North Branford, CT 06471(203) 484-0419 May have changed to area code 860 by now. They won't have parts made just for your spar but I think they can fix you up. I suggest you get their catalog and look through it then call them.Hope this helpsEric

 

[mike casey]

mast stepping

Jim,Have had two 26.5 water ballast models. First hit and destroyed by lightning. Now on my second boat. Every time I have stepped/de-stepped the mast I have had the help of at least one other able bodied helper. By using the stepping pole included with the boat and boom block assembly you can get a pretty good control over the mast. It helps to bone up on the instructions before you start since at about 45 degrees going up or down, the mast gets a bit cumbersome. The helper is great for keeping lines and such from fouling or snagging. My best advice....don't be in a rush when you do this. It is a slow, deliberate process but one you and a friend(s) can do easily enough.Good luck,Mike Casey

 

[Eric Jensen]

Different Boats

Mike the H26.5 was not water balasted, it is a completely different boat from the water balasted H26 and H260. The mast is not rigged for trailer launching. There is nothing included with the boat to step the mast, unless someone has rigged it.