I want to build a mast raising device for the trailer, similar to what Precision uses. My questions are what size steel square tube do I need? Mast is about 50# How long or far above the deck do I need to go to get the best pull? Thanks Ed
Mast raising crane
- Thread starter Ed6905
- Start date
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
RE: Mast-Raising Crane
What boat? I don't think it's a bad question; I am also awaiting a response. I use the jib halyard through a block to help me raise the mast alone on my DS II. I have a 2x2 extending the riser at the front of the trailer to about six-and-a-half feet off the ground. The bloc is attached to the upper end of the extension. My mast step is hinged (two pins, one forward, one aft, leave the after pin in place and it's a hinge). I heave the mast upright while trying to keep the jib halyard taut. After the mast passes about 40 degrees off horizontal, the jib halyard has some helping effect. My concern is, once both mast-step pins are in place, side-to-side movement putting a heavy strain on the step. So a better idea than the one I had would be interesting.
What boat? I don't think it's a bad question; I am also awaiting a response. I use the jib halyard through a block to help me raise the mast alone on my DS II. I have a 2x2 extending the riser at the front of the trailer to about six-and-a-half feet off the ground. The bloc is attached to the upper end of the extension. My mast step is hinged (two pins, one forward, one aft, leave the after pin in place and it's a hinge). I heave the mast upright while trying to keep the jib halyard taut. After the mast passes about 40 degrees off horizontal, the jib halyard has some helping effect. My concern is, once both mast-step pins are in place, side-to-side movement putting a heavy strain on the step. So a better idea than the one I had would be interesting.
I saw an interesting ...
thing last week on a 23-24 ft. venture. The guy had mounted a u-shaped channel about 3.5 ft. high above and around the tabernacle, with the open part of the U facing forward. The u-channel was braced at the edge of the cabin roof and about a foot in back of the tabernacle. Just behind the u-channel was an electric cable winch. The mast was bolted to the top of the channel (a pivot point)and was inside the channel. The cable from the winch was attached to the foot of the mast and the cable went thru the foot of the u-channel. To lower the mast, the sail and boom were off. All he did was push a button and the winch began to unwind and the mast began to go backward and gradually landed in the mast yoke near the rudder. He tied the shrouds and halyards to the mast and then undid a latch 6 or so feet from the top of the mast and swung the mast end down to the rudder, tied it off and away he went. I didn't see him raise the mast, but I guess if you reversed the process the mast would be raised. A heck of a system.
thing last week on a 23-24 ft. venture. The guy had mounted a u-shaped channel about 3.5 ft. high above and around the tabernacle, with the open part of the U facing forward. The u-channel was braced at the edge of the cabin roof and about a foot in back of the tabernacle. Just behind the u-channel was an electric cable winch. The mast was bolted to the top of the channel (a pivot point)and was inside the channel. The cable from the winch was attached to the foot of the mast and the cable went thru the foot of the u-channel. To lower the mast, the sail and boom were off. All he did was push a button and the winch began to unwind and the mast began to go backward and gradually landed in the mast yoke near the rudder. He tied the shrouds and halyards to the mast and then undid a latch 6 or so feet from the top of the mast and swung the mast end down to the rudder, tied it off and away he went. I didn't see him raise the mast, but I guess if you reversed the process the mast would be raised. A heck of a system.
I don't think
At the weight an electric assist would be needed. But would be handy for single handing. Guess I'll order some square tube and see if it bends when I start pulling the mast up. THe only ones I've seen up close have used 3" square steel tubing which has got to be way over kill.
At the weight an electric assist would be needed. But would be handy for single handing. Guess I'll order some square tube and see if it bends when I start pulling the mast up. THe only ones I've seen up close have used 3" square steel tubing which has got to be way over kill.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.