Mast Hinge

[Dave Noack]

I'm getting ready to install a mast hinge on my '87 Hunter 23 to take the wobble out of the mast stepping process. My plan is to attach the mast hinge to the cabin top where the original was, add a pin in the original so it no longer hinges and then attach the original to the mast hinge. This however would raise the mast about 1", making my standing rigging to short, so I thought the simplest sollution would be to cut 1' off the bottom of the mast. Seems like it would work, anybody got any comments are suggestions.

 

[Ward]

another thought

Dave,see the link below. It is a photo forum article for an inexpensive mast raising system designed to take the wobble out of raising a h23 mast. If you decide to go your route keep the stresses in mind. Your mast is 30 plus ft long. If it starts to wobble sideways you better have a Substantial base hinge to keep it from continuing. If it REALLY decided to go sideways, I would be concerned about the mast base coming out of the cabin top. I am probably OVER cautious, but something to keep in mind. The system described in thelink below should cost $20 to build. Might try it first.Good Luck Ward

 

[Brian Conneely]

scary...

dave,I don't think an additional hinge would stop the mast from tipping laterally if it wanted to...as Ward said, the mast base/step would pull through the deck first or bend the heck out of the mast foot. If you're simply looking for stability then try Wards idea first.brian Conneelyh23 kickin' back

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

whoa!

Whatever you do, don't step the mast alone.Snag a guy walking past for 2 minutes. He can pull the forestay forward as you go up. Then he can pin the forestay as you observe.

 

[Chip Tobey]

Ward's tripod worked wonderfully

for me. I built it using his instructions, and though mine isn't as pretty as his, it keeps the mast beautifully in line.

 

[John]

catalina27.org

I currently use a mast raising system modeled on the one used on the Catalina27.org home page. This system is very easy to use and is great for the single handed sailor. I raise and lower my mast alone without fear for my safety or damage to the boat. Here are the modifications that I made. My system uses a 9 ft aluminum pole bolted to a base. The base is attached to the mast with 2 stainless steel u-bolts.