Lowering Mast on H19

[tampastockman]

I am going to pick up my H19 today. I will need to lower the mast. I am a big guy and strong (6'4 240 lbs). I am not sure if the boat has the gin pole or two mast bridles. I have searched and searched and it sounds like I can lower this mast by hand. I read that a ramp from deck to cockpit will allow me to walk mast down by hand. I raise and lower the 24' mast on my Buccaneer 18 by hand with no problems. Any Ideas on this? The ramp will be constructed with 2x6's and supported. I will also put grip tape on ramp to help with not busting my butt. Thanks much!!

 

[Jim Seamans]

tampastockman,
Many years ago, I owned a H19. Almost everytime I raised and lowered the mast by hand. No ramp. Biggest problem raising was ensuring the turnbuckles were straight. Good Boat, towed it many miles...

 

[tampastockman]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. A Hunter Dealer in my area hinted at the fact that that I should be able to lower the mast by myself. This is what got me started exploring the idea.

 

[tampastockman]

tampastockman,
Many years ago, I owned a H19. Almost everytime I raised and lowered the mast by hand. No ramp. Biggest problem raising was ensuring the turnbuckles were straight. Good Boat, towed it many miles...

Jim, Thanks much for the reply. My confidence level has raised several notches. The reason I am so apprehensive is that I had a rather bad experience lowering a mast on an old Chrysler 22. It didnt hurt anybody but sure came down like an old oak tree under Paul Bunyons axe.....LOL

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Hi Jim;

Jim knew the Hunter 19 as I sold it to him and then took it back in on trade. He and I will be a wealth of information for you on that boat as we are probably the most knowledagble in the world.

Feel free to email me at davecondon@mindspring.com

crazy dave

 

[carboman]

http://www.sailingtexas.com/Movies/Hunter23lowermast/hunter23lowermast.html

 

[tampastockman]

http://www.sailingtexas.com/Movies/Hunter23lowermast/hunter23lowermast.html

I have a completely different mast than the stock Hunter. This boat has been a real PITA so far, but I think it will be fun in the long run. BTW, I picked her up about 20 minutes north of you in Hudson Fl.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

ok what is the manufacturer of the mast and is there a mast raise system with it. If not, go back to the seller to see if there ever was one.

 

[carboman]

There is no pivot point at the base of the mast? Mine is a bit different than what the video shows, but worked. I do not have a furling system. I guess if there is no pivot point this gadget would not work.

 

[tampastockman]

ok what is the manufacturer of the mast and is there a mast raise system with it. If not, go back to the seller to see if there ever was one.

This is the base of the mast and the plate it sits on. As far as finding the previous owner, he is absent. I bought this boat as an abandoned with a storage lien to get the title. The previous owner was an elderly man we think has passed away.