When you're young, raising the mast on a boat like our Mariner is just an inconvenience. As one ages, then the old noggin goes to work to come up with a better (read: mechanical muscle) way. Doing the mathematics, the perceived weight of the mast approaches 145 lbs just about when one's arms need to be fully extended and just about where one transitions from the cockpit floor to the cuddy top. Remembering the MacGregor advertisement which touted how easy it is to raise the mast on their boats ("a six year old can do it"), I looked at their system and realized that it could easily be adapted to our Mariner. If I remember correctly, the total cost was around $100.00 (mid 1990 dollars) and for the money, one got a jib boom, a 4:1 block and tackle, a 'shoe' that the jib boom mounted on, sway reducing cables, assorted hardware, and a way to avoid a strained back. I removed the tabernacle and transferred the mounting hole pattern onto the shoe. Drilled; mounted the shoe between the cuddy top and the tabernacle; sealed; and replaced the screws. I elected to not use the sway reducing cables. To use: the jib boom is mounted onto the shoe and the other end is connected to the forestay fitting that connects to the bow stem fitting. One end of the block and tackle (the end with the line tail) is attached to the bow stem fitting and the other to the end of the jib boom next to the forestay fitting. One person guides the mast up while the other takes in the line. The mechanicals bear all of the weight and allows the cockpit to roof top transition to take place without panic. Mast sway is easily managed manually. Once the mast is upright and held there, the forestay fitting is disconnected from the jib boom and immediately connected to the bow stem fitting. Taking the mast down is essentially a reversal of the procedure. In keeping with the spirit and intent of the "Acknowledge and Submit" Legal Notice, you accept that using any or all of the above information is at your own risk and the writer assumes no liability for any harm or damage that may result from your usage of this information. win
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You must be a student of law too!
Win - I thought I was the only one inserting random disclaimers around here
Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Win - I thought I was the only one inserting random disclaimers around here
Justin - O'day Owners' Web- Status