Lowering the mast on 25' Hunter

[the rookie]

Being a newcomer to sailing, after seeing the mast taken down with a crane I felt that I may be able to do this with a couple of partners. Is there a set way to take it down, that is, forestay first, then shrouds etc? Do we rig up another line or block and tackle to lower? Going to do it this week so any suggestions would help.

 

[Rob Morton]

Lowering the mast

Rookie of Chicago,I don't know if we do it by the book but on our h23.5 I loosen up the shrouds, back stay and forestay. Then I put the cradle in the back and run a line from the forestay through a pulley at the bow then back like a jib sheet and put about 3 wraps on the winch. Then my wife lowers it down and I just kind of guide it down. I don't know how the 26 is set up but something similar should work. There were some pics of one guys boat just posted earlier check out that and the archives.Hope it goes well.Rob

 

[S. Sauer]

Masthead Hunter 25

My previous boat was a '79 Hunter 25 with a masthead rig. I was always able to lower the mast by myself with the boat in it's slip. 1st: Tighten all dock lines to keep the boat stationary.2nd: tighten the topping lift and the main sheet. Slack off on the side stays so the mast can tip FORWARD. Loosen but do not remove the thru bolt at the mast base / deck plate.3rd: detach the backstay and start releasing the main sheet to alow the mast to tip forward and continue lowering. The boom and mainsheet act like a gin pole and the loose side stays allow the mast to go forward but not too far to either side. I usually had a couple fenders tied across the bow pulpit for the mast to rest on. Lastly, remove the thru bolt at the mast base and walk the mast base back to lash it to the stern pulpit with padding or another fender. Remove the headstay and side stays from the turnbuckles at the deck and wrap them around the mast for winter storage.With the newer fractional rigs and swept back spreaders you might need to detach the side stays completely and have someone assist in keeping the mast straight as you lower it.