I previously mentioned a ramp that i use for mast raising, several 23 owners have emailed me, so here it is, I built a ramp out of 2x6 lumber that rests on top of transom and extends to cabintop. So that when we raise our mast I just put the mast on shoulder and walk up , The two 2x6s extend just a few inches beyond transom , they straddle the mast crutch, and are held in place by two smaller pieces of 2x6 one is just at outside of transom and the other is just inside so no fore or aft movement is possible, at the companion way there is a larger T formed that prohibits side to side movement, all in all it costs 20.00 or less , takes under an hour to assemble and when built will rest next to keel on trailer, HOpe this helps Mike
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Mike Epp
cabin top support?
Sounds like an interesting idea............but what does the 2x6 rest on at the cabin? The plexiglass? Is there a vertical piece to support it?
Sounds like an interesting idea............but what does the 2x6 rest on at the cabin? The plexiglass? Is there a vertical piece to support it?
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Jim Kolstoe
Ramp diagram/picture?
Mike B., Your ramp idea sounds pretty good. Since few of the locations I sail have a hoist, I'd be interested in a solution to raising the mast without a hoist that does not involve a taking a very large step up to the cabin top. I've relied on size and strength so far, but have to admit I'm not getting younger. Could you put a diagram or pictures in the photo forum? Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
Mike B., Your ramp idea sounds pretty good. Since few of the locations I sail have a hoist, I'd be interested in a solution to raising the mast without a hoist that does not involve a taking a very large step up to the cabin top. I've relied on size and strength so far, but have to admit I'm not getting younger. Could you put a diagram or pictures in the photo forum? Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
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Joel Swan
Similar approach
I just purchased a used H23 late last summer but haven't yet had the pleasure of stepping the mast. The previous owner said that he had struggled for quite a few years stepping the mast (taking that huge step up to the top of the cabin) until one of his children asked him why he just didn't use the ladder. The last couple of years, he tried their suggestion which was to place the step ladder that they used to get up into the boat, inside the cabin angling up to the cabin top. He said from then on, he just had to walk across the cockpit, straight up the ladder onto the cabin top. It sounds like it works. I'll have to try it in a few weeks.
I just purchased a used H23 late last summer but haven't yet had the pleasure of stepping the mast. The previous owner said that he had struggled for quite a few years stepping the mast (taking that huge step up to the top of the cabin) until one of his children asked him why he just didn't use the ladder. The last couple of years, he tried their suggestion which was to place the step ladder that they used to get up into the boat, inside the cabin angling up to the cabin top. He said from then on, he just had to walk across the cockpit, straight up the ladder onto the cabin top. It sounds like it works. I'll have to try it in a few weeks.
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Ward
Another solution to mast raising
The ramp is a great idea if you are going to step it from the cockpit. I was frustrated raising the mast cause I never have any help so I built a simple tripod to keep the mast from swaying sideways. I then can raise the mast by myself from the ground. No winches, just a long rope tied to jib halyard. This is what I made: I made bolt-on clamps at the bases of the rear two stancions which have a 1/4" bolt stud on them. To these I attach two peices of 3/4" pipe (EMT conduit). The conduits are slightly over 8 ft. long (I would have to measure because this is critical for length). The other end of these two pipes angle in to the mast and are fastened to a padded collar that fits loosely around the mast. This arrangement forms a tripod that will not let the mast sway sideways yet is loose enough around the mast for the collar to slide as the mast is raised. When the mast is in the crutch, the collar is just below the spreaders. As the mast raises, the collar slides down the mast and ends up just above the mast winch when the mast is stepped. I now attach a 100 ft. line to the jib halyard and get way out in front to the tow vehicle. I make sure none of the standing rig cables are fouled and I simpley pull on the line until the mast is upright. I walk my line back to the bow of the boat and tie off temporarily until I can go to the anchor locker to secure the front stay. I then remove the wing nuts on each end of the pipe and remove the assembly and am ready to launch. The first time I used this, it scared the heck out of me cause I didn't know it would work, but now it is a peice of cake. I have had my boat out several times this spring and each time I was alone so had to step the mast by myself. I have timed the whole procedure and it took 15 minutes. Most of this time was making certain that no cables were twisted or could get caught on anything. The entire setup cost me less than $10.00 to make and weighs about 5 lbs. Not sure this method is for everyone, but is an alternative to a ramp. Note: I have a Zspar mast with 36" spreaders so I don't know if this will work for Kenyon masts.
The ramp is a great idea if you are going to step it from the cockpit. I was frustrated raising the mast cause I never have any help so I built a simple tripod to keep the mast from swaying sideways. I then can raise the mast by myself from the ground. No winches, just a long rope tied to jib halyard. This is what I made: I made bolt-on clamps at the bases of the rear two stancions which have a 1/4" bolt stud on them. To these I attach two peices of 3/4" pipe (EMT conduit). The conduits are slightly over 8 ft. long (I would have to measure because this is critical for length). The other end of these two pipes angle in to the mast and are fastened to a padded collar that fits loosely around the mast. This arrangement forms a tripod that will not let the mast sway sideways yet is loose enough around the mast for the collar to slide as the mast is raised. When the mast is in the crutch, the collar is just below the spreaders. As the mast raises, the collar slides down the mast and ends up just above the mast winch when the mast is stepped. I now attach a 100 ft. line to the jib halyard and get way out in front to the tow vehicle. I make sure none of the standing rig cables are fouled and I simpley pull on the line until the mast is upright. I walk my line back to the bow of the boat and tie off temporarily until I can go to the anchor locker to secure the front stay. I then remove the wing nuts on each end of the pipe and remove the assembly and am ready to launch. The first time I used this, it scared the heck out of me cause I didn't know it would work, but now it is a peice of cake. I have had my boat out several times this spring and each time I was alone so had to step the mast by myself. I have timed the whole procedure and it took 15 minutes. Most of this time was making certain that no cables were twisted or could get caught on anything. The entire setup cost me less than $10.00 to make and weighs about 5 lbs. Not sure this method is for everyone, but is an alternative to a ramp. Note: I have a Zspar mast with 36" spreaders so I don't know if this will work for Kenyon masts.
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MIke B
cabintop support
At the cabintop the two 2x6s that run from transom have smaller 2x6s attached forming a t, or at right angles, the 2x6s extend into the area where the plex, would be if it were closed, but it is now open, the crosspieces extend out beyond, and rest on cabintop then on the underside is a smaller 2x6 that is the exact size as the opening so that it cant move sideways, I have been trying to figure out some way to get the diagram on the net but have no scanner , I will give it a shot, MIke , , btw it really works,
At the cabintop the two 2x6s that run from transom have smaller 2x6s attached forming a t, or at right angles, the 2x6s extend into the area where the plex, would be if it were closed, but it is now open, the crosspieces extend out beyond, and rest on cabintop then on the underside is a smaller 2x6 that is the exact size as the opening so that it cant move sideways, I have been trying to figure out some way to get the diagram on the net but have no scanner , I will give it a shot, MIke , , btw it really works,
Mike B, your idea is pretty good
It took me a while to figure out your ramp, until I realized that the 2x6's were laid horizontally and connected side-by-side with the cross pieces at the transom and the cabin roof. Cool! My only fear is that the ramp may not support my weight (I am on the wrong side of 250 lb). I figured the best thing to do would be to conduct some sort of load test before I buy any materials. So, if you see a big burly guy running energetically up and down ramps made of 2x6's in the lumber dept. at Home Depot, stop by and say hello!! Peter S/V Raven
It took me a while to figure out your ramp, until I realized that the 2x6's were laid horizontally and connected side-by-side with the cross pieces at the transom and the cabin roof. Cool! My only fear is that the ramp may not support my weight (I am on the wrong side of 250 lb). I figured the best thing to do would be to conduct some sort of load test before I buy any materials. So, if you see a big burly guy running energetically up and down ramps made of 2x6's in the lumber dept. at Home Depot, stop by and say hello!! Peter S/V Raven
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MIke B
peter weight
Peter glad u liked it , like i said it works, if u have doubts go with the 2x6s and just add some legs at mid point running straight to cockpit floor , legs if u will, i was going to but u have me by about 100 lbs , regards Mike ,
Peter glad u liked it , like i said it works, if u have doubts go with the 2x6s and just add some legs at mid point running straight to cockpit floor , legs if u will, i was going to but u have me by about 100 lbs , regards Mike ,
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Joel Swan
Specs on tripod?
The tripod method sounds very interesting. Any chance you could post the dimensions, materials, etc.? What did you use for the collar?
The tripod method sounds very interesting. Any chance you could post the dimensions, materials, etc.? What did you use for the collar?
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Ward
Tripod for mast raising
Joel, I will get my digital camera out and take some pictures and provide drawings for what I did and then post it to the photo forum for those interested. The collar that goes around the mast was made from 1/8" X 2" strap steel. I used stainless cause I had it, but carbon steel would have worked just as well. I took two peices about 16" long and formed them into two half circles. I bent 90 degree tabs on each end with 5/16" holes so when put together they form a 10" to 12" diameter circle around the mast. The bolts in the tabs hold it together. I covered the the entire inside of this with 2" foam rubber for padding and covered that with black tape. This was just to make sure I didn't scratch the mast with my collar. About the only tools needed to make this are common hand tools, a drill and a vise. I could have had my strap steel professionally bent and it would have looked a lot better, but functionally it works just as good. I will post on here when I get the directions up on the photo forum. I guess I could also just send the directions to you if there arent others interested in this method. Ward
Joel, I will get my digital camera out and take some pictures and provide drawings for what I did and then post it to the photo forum for those interested. The collar that goes around the mast was made from 1/8" X 2" strap steel. I used stainless cause I had it, but carbon steel would have worked just as well. I took two peices about 16" long and formed them into two half circles. I bent 90 degree tabs on each end with 5/16" holes so when put together they form a 10" to 12" diameter circle around the mast. The bolts in the tabs hold it together. I covered the the entire inside of this with 2" foam rubber for padding and covered that with black tape. This was just to make sure I didn't scratch the mast with my collar. About the only tools needed to make this are common hand tools, a drill and a vise. I could have had my strap steel professionally bent and it would have looked a lot better, but functionally it works just as good. I will post on here when I get the directions up on the photo forum. I guess I could also just send the directions to you if there arent others interested in this method. Ward
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Nick Ellis
Others : )
Hey there Ward! Tripod method sounds great and I would love to see the photos in the forum if you have the time and energy. I sail 1982 H19 but I bet the cocept could easily be adapted for it. Thanks in advance for the specs and photos. Nick
Hey there Ward! Tripod method sounds great and I would love to see the photos in the forum if you have the time and energy. I sail 1982 H19 but I bet the cocept could easily be adapted for it. Thanks in advance for the specs and photos. Nick
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