I am getting prepared for winter. In the off-season I need to step the mast on my 1980 Lancer 28, to among other issues, rewire the VHF antenna lead. I plan on replacing the windex, adding an anchor light, and spreader lights, and possibly repainting the mast.
Catch is, my boat is moored, and I've never stepped the mast.
I had a Macgreor/Venture 24, but the mast for that boat is way lighter. I'm somewhat nervous about the weight involved.
I have a down-loaded manual, which appears to be for a Lancer 28, but does not explicitly state the model. The diagram and instructions suggest using the mainsheet and boom to raise/lower the mast, like a lever.
The problem is that the mainsheet in the diagram is fastened to the floor in front of the companionway. On my boat it goes to a traveler located on top of the cabin, so I'm not sure the angle is going to be right. Also the traveler track is screwed into the cover that the hatch slides into, and I'm worried it's not going to have enough strength to hold everything.
I don't want to kill anyone, dent the mast, smash my radar, or crush the pulpit.
Can anyone give me some guidance? My particular boat has the mast base cutout designed to lower towards the bow.
Catch is, my boat is moored, and I've never stepped the mast.
I had a Macgreor/Venture 24, but the mast for that boat is way lighter. I'm somewhat nervous about the weight involved.
I have a down-loaded manual, which appears to be for a Lancer 28, but does not explicitly state the model. The diagram and instructions suggest using the mainsheet and boom to raise/lower the mast, like a lever.
The problem is that the mainsheet in the diagram is fastened to the floor in front of the companionway. On my boat it goes to a traveler located on top of the cabin, so I'm not sure the angle is going to be right. Also the traveler track is screwed into the cover that the hatch slides into, and I'm worried it's not going to have enough strength to hold everything.
I don't want to kill anyone, dent the mast, smash my radar, or crush the pulpit.
Can anyone give me some guidance? My particular boat has the mast base cutout designed to lower towards the bow.