i want to build a better mast crutch for my oday 20 and i am looking for some designs. i use the crutch and mast as a ridge pole for a tarp for the winter storage. i'm not much of a metal worker and i don't weld so looking for a design using wood. i would like to be able to raise the crutch for stepping the mast in the spring.
I'm no metal worker either. My son can weld. He made my Gin Pole for me, but back when I wanted to change my mast crutch over to something less heavier and bulky, I went to a guy who did marine fabrication. I brought my boat down to his house and I showed him what I had for a mast raising set up, and he designed something right on the spot, did the pipe bending, and welded it up for me. I think it cost me about $300 I'm not sure, but he did an excellent job. If you have a stern rail, you've got it knocked. He installed a SS pipe flange on the cockpit soul for the crutch pipe to rest in when mast is in the crutch being trailered to the ramp. All that weight is on that flange and not on the stern rail. He needed to cut the rail on both sides to install the two three way pipe fittings to accommodate the pipes that hold the yoke in which the crutch pipe slides for various heights. This guy was small back then and he worked out of his garage next to his house. Today, he and another guy own a large boat shop that does welding, canvas work, and new boat reconditioning worth into the millions of dollars. Singer Billy Joel has been storing his yacht "Vendetta" there for the last couple of years. I took pictures of it.
Anyway, I had a Mickey Mouse crutch that I made out of plywood and 2X4 material that allowed the crutch to slide up and down for needed height. It was just too cumbersome and big. If you like, I could take some pics of mine for you to copy. It's a great design. I used to remove the yoke with fast pins but now it's bolted in place because I love the looks of it and it's comfortable to lean on when I'm sailing standing up.
Joe
