Line for Mast Raising System

[Greengas]

I, well my son and I actually, built our own mast raising system and it works pretty well and was very easy to build. I'll post some pictures of it the next time we use it. When we built it, we went to Lowes and purchased the rope. It seems strong enough but I would feel more comfortable getting something that I know more about. My question is, for those who have mast raising system, what type of line do you use? What is the size and what is the strength. A quick description of our system is that the gin pole has the winch on it. from the winch it goes up to a pulley which goes to the mast where there is another pulley. From that pulley it goes to an eye bolt in the gin pole. The gin pole is connected via line to the spot where the forestay goes. Right now, that is being held in place with about 5 lengths of parachute chord which my son says each strand is rated at 500lbs so overall that portion is rated at over a ton. We are debating about some baby stays in the future because right now it is still a two person job because the sail does want to wander a bit. But it is still a whole lot easier than manually getting the mast set. So what say you experts? What size line do you recommend and what strength should it be?

As always, thanks in advance for the continuing education.

 

[Benny17441]

With a mast weight of approximately 200 lbs. and the use of a gin pole the maximum loads on your lifting line are quite small. The maximum size of your line will be governed by the sheaves on the pulleys and the winch capacity. Almost any quality marine line in the 3/16" to 1/4" sizes will exceed 1500 lbs. of breaking strength providing a very ample cushion. On the other hand the average line sold at hardware stores have a much lower breaking strength and lesser durability to wear and tear and the elements. I recommend the use of marine grade lines.

 

[Capt jgw]

What you have is probably nylon and stretches a lot. Most likely strong enough but I would think low or no stretch would be helpful here. So, most any polyester double braid would work.

 

[BudGates]

I like to carry things that have double duty. Since I don't foresee ever needing the mainsheet at the same time I'm raising the mast I use my mainsheet for that purpose.

 

[Greengas]

I like to carry things that have double duty. Since I don't foresee ever needing the mainsheet at the same time I'm raising the mast I use my mainsheet for that purpose.

Interesting option. I will run that by my son, who is still more knowledgeable than me. My only concern/question would be I would have to wrap the line into the winch each time if I use another line where as is that would not be required. But saving space would be a great benefit.

 

[BudGates]

Interesting option. I will run that by my son, who is still more knowledgeable than me. My only concern/question would be I would have to wrap the line into the winch each time if I use another line where as is that would not be required. But saving space would be a great benefit.

If that's the line wrapped on the winch I think I'd leave it there so it will be ready when you lower the mast. But I would, as others have said, replace it with the low stretch line.

 

[fred1diver]

I just use my mainsheet

 

[CloudDiver]

The line you buy at Lowes or HD is just basic polypro (braided sheath over core) utility rope that is characterized generally as low strength, high stretch, poor UV resistance, but very cheap. I use it for utility purposes only like lashing stuff down and other uses around the house, truck, trailer, or camp. As pointed out above, it does not have the low stretch capabilities of quality marine line and I can tell you from experience the color fades in UV faster. I actually use the smaller sizes as replacement shoe laces on hiking boots and such. Anyway, for your use in mast raising system, you'd probably be fine with 5/16", but I'd go 3/8"... the big factor is your winch and the pulleys, what size line are they set up for? 3/8" is easier on the hands than 5/16", and a 100 ft coil is $10. Do notice on the specifications that the 3/8" safe working load is 244 lbs, vs New England ropes Sta-Set in 3/8" breaking strength (They don't publish 'working loads) is 4400 lbs.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_349281-258-071514007731_1z11olq__?productId=3594222&pl=1
The mechanical advantage of your Gin-pole and the pulleys are reducing the strain on the rope, and you aren't experiencing heavy shocks to line as you raise the mast. In general, you should be safe using this utility type line for that purpose. Use it only for that and keep it out of the sun when not in use. As pointed out above, using your mainsheet tackle is a better alternative than the winch on the gin-pole.

 

[BudGates]

As pointed out above, using your mainsheet tackle is a better alternative than the winch on the gin-pole.

Unfortunately a Mac-25 mainsheet is configured in a delta rig so it's not a regular tackle, unless it's been converted by a PO. Even though I never liked the delta rig on my V-222 I never converted it.

 

[Greengas]

Unfortunately a Mac-25 mainsheet is configured in a delta rig so it's not a regular tackle, unless it's been converted by a PO. Even though I never liked the delta rig on my V-222 I never converted it.

Not sure about regular delta but I spoke with the first mate (if I have this right my much better other half is the Admiral, I am the Skipper/Captain and my son who actually does the sailing until he teaches me how is the First Mate) and he would like to keep it separate with one line for the gin pole and the other for the main sheet. So, problem solved, for now at least.

Thanks to everyone so much, as always for the continuing education. I am in the process of joining a local sailing club that also offers lots of hands on training so..... should be an interesting season. Looking forward to it.

 

[BudGates]

It's good that you have a local sailing club. You can learn a lot if you join in and volunteer to crew other boats. Others will also volunteer to crew on yours.

 

[Joe]

I think 1/4" polyester double braid would be more than adequate.... New England Sta set, Samson LS.. etc. cost effective also.

 

[Greengas]

Update: since I have now purchased my 3 main lines I can turn my attention back to this line. I decided to go with a good marine grade 1/4 inch line color coded to match my other main sail lines. I am going to look for strong low stretch line. This is not a line I want breaking when that 28 foot mast is halfway up. Thanks as always for the continuing education.