Any of you have any knowledge of lowering the mast on a 25. Mine is a 1977 and I would like to check out the condition of the top as well as add a windex. There seem to be a few "new" 25 owners posting here. I purchased mine in March/2000. So far a great boat, she just needs tlc.
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Gin Pole
The 25 does have any of the mast raising systems found on new Hunters. As the mast is fairly heavy I would recommend use of a gin pole. Just watch how other people do it a few times. Generally you'll want three peope on hand for this project. If none of the marinas in your area allow you to use their gin pole you might consider paying to get the job done.
The 25 does have any of the mast raising systems found on new Hunters. As the mast is fairly heavy I would recommend use of a gin pole. Just watch how other people do it a few times. Generally you'll want three peope on hand for this project. If none of the marinas in your area allow you to use their gin pole you might consider paying to get the job done.
Lowering the Mast
I have to lower my mast for winter storage and this past winter was my third time doing so. There are three of us who take our boats out at the same time and we work together. Also, we use a gin pole. Actually, two people and a gin pole make the job really simple (takes us about 20 minutes to actually lower the mast and secure it in place. After positioning the boat under the crane portion of the pole, the procedure we use is to first secure the crane hook to a bridle (made out of spare dock line with the running end secured to a cleat on the lower end of the mast). When tension is taken on the gin pole hook, the bridle slides up the mast to just under the shroud connectors. This height may be controlled to some extent the running end of the bridle line. Actually, though, even when the bridle is all the way up under the shroud connections, the mast is still top heavy and needs to be counterbalanced. Next we loosen all shrouds and stays disconnecting both fore and aft stays (I have a roller furler so some care must be taken not to damage it or its components). Once the shrouds are loose, it is optional whether to remove them from the chain plates or not. I do. Then, one man controls the lower end of the mast while the other lowers the hook thus lowering the mast into its stowed position. Care must be taken to secure the mast in the stowed position as well as the loose shrouds and stays. Raising is just the oposite and takes about 30 minutes (not including shroud and stay tunning).
I have to lower my mast for winter storage and this past winter was my third time doing so. There are three of us who take our boats out at the same time and we work together. Also, we use a gin pole. Actually, two people and a gin pole make the job really simple (takes us about 20 minutes to actually lower the mast and secure it in place. After positioning the boat under the crane portion of the pole, the procedure we use is to first secure the crane hook to a bridle (made out of spare dock line with the running end secured to a cleat on the lower end of the mast). When tension is taken on the gin pole hook, the bridle slides up the mast to just under the shroud connectors. This height may be controlled to some extent the running end of the bridle line. Actually, though, even when the bridle is all the way up under the shroud connections, the mast is still top heavy and needs to be counterbalanced. Next we loosen all shrouds and stays disconnecting both fore and aft stays (I have a roller furler so some care must be taken not to damage it or its components). Once the shrouds are loose, it is optional whether to remove them from the chain plates or not. I do. Then, one man controls the lower end of the mast while the other lowers the hook thus lowering the mast into its stowed position. Care must be taken to secure the mast in the stowed position as well as the loose shrouds and stays. Raising is just the oposite and takes about 30 minutes (not including shroud and stay tunning).
1978 H25 Mast
Much the same procedure as John Allison uses but use manpower to lower and raise mast. I completely disconnect forward shrouds and loosen the others, then disconnect forstay. Two people can lower mast without much difficulty but it seems to take three to raise. You can usaully solicit help at your marina since everyone needs help at some time or other.
Much the same procedure as John Allison uses but use manpower to lower and raise mast. I completely disconnect forward shrouds and loosen the others, then disconnect forstay. Two people can lower mast without much difficulty but it seems to take three to raise. You can usaully solicit help at your marina since everyone needs help at some time or other.
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