Mast Raising on the Water

[Michael]

For a variety of reasons, I had to launch and motor to a spot before I could raise my mast.

We didn't have a lot of time before dark, but enough time to raise the mast -- we were securely tied off.

Anyway, I just couldn't get it close enough to pin -- and it was getting too dark to see -- I'll try again tomorrow.

I can't think of any reason being on the water should change anything -- most likely something just wasn't right and I couldn't see it -- but if anyone has something I should know . . .

Thanks,

Michael

 

[Brian M H23]

shrouds / backstay??

On my boat, my shrouds and backstay are always set correctly, and I only unhook the forestay. when I raise the mast, I get it mostly upright, then use the mainsheet attached to the jib halyard and really pull on it. I have to pull HARD because I am tensioning the backstay and 4 shrouds. I can then easily attach the forestay, release the mainsheet, and all my shrouds are set!

 

[George]

I do this all the time. I actually prefer it. I launch the boat, then raise the mast at the dock. I like this because I can pull the bow up to the dock where it's easy to reach the forestay pin.

Only drawback is if you drop something it's usually gone....

 

[soling42]

Ck the top forestay fitting too

I'm forced to raise mine on the water with each use and have found that the top of the head and sidestay fittings can twist or become displaced, causing added complications when pinning the forestay at the base. If you don't ease the sidestays(which is only a last resort) you'll really have to winch down on the jib halyard to get the needed slack on the FS. A second halyard My pvc furling extrusion is starting to get some curves in it due to the broiling sun while at rest which also creates the need for a little more effort when pulling the rig the last 1/2 inch.

I use a CS Johnson folding tensioner at the base of the forestay that really eases the final pin process. It takes a little effort to get it set up but once it's on you'll love it. I also have a short leash on the pins to keep them on the boat.
http://www.csjohnson.com/marinecatalog/00027.htm

There are a dozen other hat tricks that trailer sailors use so don't be worried about asking for help. Be careful raising your mast, plan for the worst and it usually won't happen. Be hyper attentive to the details.
Good luck, Michael

The bow bling....

 

[Rick Webb]

I Usually Do Mine On The Water

It alyaws looks like it would kinda hurt landing on the trailer tounge if I fell off, at least the water is soft.

I loosen the forestay turnbuckle to get mine to reach I think I have to do this everytime. Sopme anti seize on the turnbuckle makes that way easier.

 

[Michael]

Got it

I did it -- when we tried this morning we could see one of the stays kinked up. It was just getting too dark last night to see it.

Worked fine.

I do kind of like raising it on the water because it is not nearly as high (as someone said). Of course, I was in a nice quiet protected area -- I could imagine it not working well in some situations.

Thanks guys.

 

[soling42]

Inspect any stressed T-fittings

Sounded like a familiar issue. It's easily overlooked but misaligned T-fittings at the top of the stays have been the downfall of more than a few masts. If it was tweaked/bent hard in a frustrated moment you'd be better off not totally counting on it and add it to your replacement list. There're a few ideas for keeping them seated but having tried them all I ended up with a simply applied guide that holds them aligned without fail(pic below).

Glad you got it. Happy days.
Michael

 

[Michael]

Eyes

Thanks -- so what are those eyes -- just standard hardware store types with rivets? Do they impact the way the stays come out of the mast at all?

Looks like a good solution -- simple, yet effective.

 

[George]

Bent Stays

Here's some more information on this subject:

http://h260.com/headstay/headstay.html

 

[soling42]

A very simple fix

Yeah, George not only paid the price but is humble enough to share in detail how it went. What a great site too.

The sidestay strap is a 1/2" pvc 2 hole electrical conduit strap. I squeezed it together slightly and set it just a little rearward of the center line. Attached with only one aluminum pop rivet in the rear hole so the strap supports the fitting but it can still be removed w/o hassle.

The one on the forestay is set on c/l closer to the socket with two rivets for added strength and yet very easily drilled out if you need to remove it. Using pvc and alum rivets should eliminate any prob with corrosion from dissimilar metals too. Time to install, about 15min tops. Cost, under $5. protection factor .....priceless. One step closer to push button mast raising(now wouldn't that be a joy). Have a great day.

Michael

 

[Michael]

Telescope

An electric telescoping mast! Someone invent this. Soon.

Thanks for all the info guys.

 

[BART]

just get it up

I think about falling off the boat when I am on the trailer. falling isn't the bad part, it is that sudden stop when connecting with concrete or asphalt at the bottom.
I have replaced the pin on the forward stay with detent pins. You have seen them. these are the pins with the ball in the ends. eliminates having to put rings or pins in the end. I tried one in the boom connection to the mast but never could find one the exact size.
I have had the stays kink and right now it doesn't look great, but still works.
I keep the stays on the side straight by looping a shock cord over the lifeline. Bending one of the t-bolts is expensive.

 

[soling42]

Detent pin w/ss hitch pin too

Bart
Yeah, that abrupt stop on concrete is a day wrecker.

I also use detent pins at the FS base(see pic in post #3) but added a ss hitch pin if, on a long strong downwind run, the rig slackened allowing the slightest chance of a lost FS base pin. Yeah it's really unlikely but I couldn't imagine such a critical pin w/o a safety retainer of some sort. On my folding closer I only use a detent pin but the base pin gets an added retainer. Watch out for those kinked T-fittings, they may not warn you when they go.

Here's a simple semi permanent sidestay fix to keep the turnbuckles upright. My kid never missed a few inches off her swim noodle. Michael

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

problems

I know what probably happenned. When raising the mast at dusk, you need to make sure of several items. First, the turnbuckles may have binded in the chainplates. Always shake the shrouds before you go up all the way to make sure they are not binding.

Secondly, the lower shroud T toggles in the mast may have gone into the mast thus causing this problem. Make sure before raising the mast the lower t toggles are not binding inside the mast.

Finally, a line or shroud may have caught on the boat. When feeling resistance from the norm, stop and look at the rigging as this is another sure sign.

These are the reasons why you probably had trouble one or a combination thereof.

 

[Michael15707]

Yep

Yep, it all went well the next morning.

We had a good time on the Gulf- - but I'll tell you one thing -- the water gets pretty thin on St. Josephs' Sound! We spent a little time resting on the bottom. But, we had nowhere to go, so . . .