Mast Raising System, but still needs a little tweaking

[billh]

OK, so there it is! Finally put together the mast raising system and like many other projects, what might look perfect on paper, well, may not look perfect in application! Yes it works, and works as expected, but there are a few minor issues I would lie to resolve.

One, I am using the halyard, I am not sure that is the best option and how strong that halyard might be. Am I pushing my luck doing that? I dont have a roller so I cannot use that, just the for-stay cable but want to keep that free to connect I guess.

The Second is the A frame. The system I have there binds a little bit at the feet, so I worry if it binds to much will I rip out the stanchion? I think I need a better connector system for the feet of the A frame. More flexibility there but cannot see it at the moment.

I did put a new album up on my profile with images and here are some as well.

Otherwise I am mostly happy with it, I did use solid core wire for the winch as I have rolls of it! So, I might look at that as well. I am not worried about the solid core as this winch system will not stay with the boat, but stored at home. They are just a bit stiff and unwieldy is all.

Any input on tweaks is appreciated.

Happy Sailing.

 

[tkaser3210]

Should work - used a very similar set-up on my O'Day 222 - DON'T FORGET TEMPORARY (BABY) STAYS ! You need something to prevent the mast from going sideways until it is fully raised and the sidestays are under full tension.

 

[kpgraci]

The halyard is commonly used for this purpose, but I understand, I thought for sure mine was going to pop under the load.

But then the mast on a small trailerable is not all that heavy, sail loads can be more than that, I suspect - but all needs to be in good repair, of course.

I built a gin pole, but I like the idea of an a-frame. Perhaps to resolve your binding problem you should just install some permanent attachment point on the deck that can accept a pin through the leg of the frame.

I can't tell from the pics if you are using any babystays, I highly recommend them as they will make it very safe even on a windy day by yourself.

The only tricky part with babystays is they need to pivot in line with the mast at mast step height and as far out to each side as possible (beam width). So there needs to be something that holds the pivot point up at that height, either a bridle, or a pole, or even a fitting on the upper shroud assuming the shrouds are in line with the mast.

This illustrates it:

 

[RichBone]

I like the electric winch setup
Here is my system
http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/album.php?albumid=1052

Works well especially if you have a helper to steady the mast and untangle the stays as it's going up. Nothing wrong with using the halyard as long as it's in good condition. The trailer winch worked great with very easy cranking. I raised my mast in the water last year by using a one part purchase between the bow and the a-frame and using my two speed primary winches. Way too much load on the winches. I'm using a two or three part purchase this year. I don't foresee any problems.

Rich

 

[Daydreamer]

Take the A frame and attach a slider to the top that will go into the mainsail track. Something strong enough to stabilize the mast if the breeze shifts when raising. Use that to guide the horizontal movement, then use a gin pole with the forestay and winch. Once the mast is up, use the halyard as a secondary line to keep the mast secure when you transfer the stay to the bow tang.

 

[GeorgiaBII]

Only thing I have an issue with is using the electric winch. With that setup you don't have much feedback if something is binding, Just maybe a change in sound and that could be covered by background noises.

Just a thought.

 

[billh]

Rich, pretty sure it was your setup I borrowed heavily from I could not find the post but remembered most of it. I think you may have mentioned the binding as well.

 

[billh]

Thanks for the feedback, no baby stays, I put the mast on my shoulder and walk with it. But is something snags i may be in trouble. Thanks for the halyard info i feel better about using it now. I thought about eh winch with if something is caught it will power through and could put me in a spot, so will have to come up with something for that. I might go with a manual hoist, pulley system. I did raise the mast using the traveler from the main, that worked well.

Thanks again, and enjoy the season.

 

[Joe11688]

Thanks for the feedback, no baby stays, I put the mast on my shoulder and walk with it. But is something snags i may be in trouble. Thanks for the halyard info i feel better about using it now. I thought about eh winch with if something is caught it will power through and could put me in a spot, so will have to come up with something for that. I might go with a manual hoist, pulley system. I did raise the mast using the traveler from the main, that worked well.

Thanks again, and enjoy the season.

I think the Jib Halyard is the best way to go. My own personal preference in mast raising/lowering is to be standing right next to the mast. If anything goes wrong I want to be able to grab hold of the mast and guide it out of harm's way.
About a week ago when I raised my mast at the club dock, in my haste to get my mast up I neglected to clear a mess of lines that was still tangled with my backstay from the day before when I was trying to kedge my boat over to my mooring in bad weather after my outboard conked out.
When I started to raise my mast, the mast wasn't three feet away from the mast crutch when it started to lean over to Port. You can't imagine the terror I felt as I tried to man handle that mast to get it back down into the crutch again. I know,--coulda, woulda, shoulda, but didn't. The point I'm making here is, I'm only happy that I was able to control my mast before it decided to rip off my tabernacle and ruin my day. My furler was connected to the mast and my baby stays were also connected to the mast.

Baby stays or no baby stays. If any of your stays get snagged, your mast can go right over the side and cause you a whole heap of grief.

As I've mentioned previously about mast raising, if you don't have a roller furler you can get away without baby stays. If you feel you need them, then by all means go for it.
Your A frame looks great and it should work out well for you but I would come up with a better and smoother pivot system for it at the stanchion base. You don't want the system to bind. If you keep the wind aft and the boat level, your mast should go up or down with no problems provided nothing gets snagged.