mast raising system

Kermit · Dec 2, 2014

Check the owner modifications page. I recall seeing one system that looked pretty good. You will need to use your mainsheet to raise it and add baby stays to keep it steady from side to side. It's a heavy mast and was never easy for me to raise. But it's a great boat that's fun and easy to sail.

Since you're new to the site I'll try to post the link tonight. Welcome aboard!

Kermit · Dec 2, 2014

Here's the link to the main modification page.
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=7&page=model&mn=23
This link has a raising system.
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...emid=267&cat_id=7&aid=6969&page=article&mn=23
Here's another.
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...emid=267&cat_id=7&aid=7170&page=article&mn=23

None of the systems seems perfect to me. But adding a gin pole and the A-frame should help you alot. And the baby stays will really help keeping you from losing the mast over the side. I never got it exactly right.

Chief RA · Dec 2, 2014

Kermit: Did you read the horrible time I had this October when I lowered my mast in high winds? I have got to improve my system some more this spring. It seems that the double pole A frame works well. I presently have the single gin pole with side stay lines and winds almost did us in. Chief

Kermit · Dec 2, 2014

I wish I had more answers. It's a great boat but dang stepping the mast isn't easy. The A-frame made with conduit helps but it's not a cure-all.

Crazy Dave Condon · Dec 3, 2014

Chief;

First, your mast is heavier than the Hunter masts as the wall of the mast is thicker. My recommendation is never lower or raise the mast in high winds. However, I have taught in all wind conditions to point the boat into the wind no ifs ands or butts about that. I had to lower masts in high winds in the past and sometimes it is not easy even with a mast raise system but always point into the wind.

Chief RA · Dec 3, 2014

Yes Dave, I set the trailer dead into the wind and sure as h... the winds changed to port quarter! It was a good thing that I had help plus still strong or we would have lost the mast. I have figured out to lower the jib and main sheet one to each side down to the ground so my wife can hold the one needed. In an emergency such as this that could save me! Glad to hear from you, and have a great Christmas in the mountians. Chief

Kermit · Dec 3, 2014

There's not a detailed page that I can find. Look carefully at the 2nd &3rd links. Between the two you should be able to put together an A-frame. It took me forever to figure it out, too. I guess I should have taken pictures and written up the way I did it. Coulda shoulda woulda.

Kermit · Dec 3, 2014

Here's a link that will help put the puzzle together. http://www.sailingtexas.com/Movies/Hunter23lowermast/hunter23lowermast.html
Lowering is a WHOLE LOT easier than raising. But still, this should help some.

celticwinds · Dec 3, 2014

I have a catalina25 and made an a frame for lowering the mast. I went to Lowe`s and bought top rail for a chain link fence. I made my frame 12 feet long. I hammered the ends flat and tnen drilled a hole through them and put two shackles on them. they must be bolted together with one of the shackles. You tie the jib halyard to the frame and the mainsheet to one of the shackles. I used clamps for chain link fence to hold the bottom ends of the frame to port and starboard stantions. I used a piece of two inch by two inch tubing nine feet long to make a crutch that fits into the rudder pintles and mounted a roller on top of it. Works like a charm. After lowering the mast leave the frame clamped to the boat for raising.

mast raising system

knotatwork2

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Kermit

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Kermit

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Chief RA

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Kermit

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Crazy Dave Condon

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Chief RA

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knotatwork2

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Kermit

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Kermit

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celticwinds

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