I have just purchased a 1994 Hunter trailorable 26'. We have Harken winches, but it is a slow and arduous task to raise the mast. Is there anything else that will HELP/ASSIST with this process? I thought of even using an additional block & tackle so that we could winch from both sides of the boat.
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Rick webb
Main Sheet Block
I use the main sheet block on my 23.5. I realize the mast is somewhat larger on the 26 but it is the same setup I beleive. It does not require too much effort especially after the first third of the way up. I sit on the bow pulpit and it goes right up.There is a good checklist in the archives for raising and lowering the mast that might be worth looking for also.
I use the main sheet block on my 23.5. I realize the mast is somewhat larger on the 26 but it is the same setup I beleive. It does not require too much effort especially after the first third of the way up. I sit on the bow pulpit and it goes right up.There is a good checklist in the archives for raising and lowering the mast that might be worth looking for also.
T
Tom
Mainsheet tackle
Using the mainsheet tackle makes it pretty easy. It'll be heavy at first but not a problem. I stand at the bow of my 26 and give short pulls on the purchase. It helps if somewone stands in the cockpit and pushes up on the mast, especially that first third (while he/she can still reach). I've never tried using the winch. Do you have the manual that explains raising the mast? If not I can send a copy.
Using the mainsheet tackle makes it pretty easy. It'll be heavy at first but not a problem. I stand at the bow of my 26 and give short pulls on the purchase. It helps if somewone stands in the cockpit and pushes up on the mast, especially that first third (while he/she can still reach). I've never tried using the winch. Do you have the manual that explains raising the mast? If not I can send a copy.
J
Jeff
Main Sheet Tackle & Winch
This proceedure is more easily done single handed if you use the main sheet tackle and take the tail back to either winch. Then crank away. No Sweat....really! "Festivity" H26 1996
This proceedure is more easily done single handed if you use the main sheet tackle and take the tail back to either winch. Then crank away. No Sweat....really! "Festivity" H26 1996
T
Tom
Caution...
Watch to make sure that the shrouds, spreaders, etc. are not hung up on anything and if the mast is unduley difficult to raise double check that nothing is hung up or binding. Using the winch and mainsheet tackle it is easy to do serious damage if your are not paying attention.
Watch to make sure that the shrouds, spreaders, etc. are not hung up on anything and if the mast is unduley difficult to raise double check that nothing is hung up or binding. Using the winch and mainsheet tackle it is easy to do serious damage if your are not paying attention.
M
Mike Pajewski
Watch for binding at teh chain plates
We use the mainsheet and starboard winch. Pushing up the mast does help in the beginning when it is the hardest. Check the chainplate toggles frequently for binding. They will tend to droop on the padeyes, and if you're not careful, you can bend or snap them. If the mast starts to get hard to raise as you approch vertical, stop and check the toggles and be ready to back off. Something else to avoid is forgetting the temporary support stays. If you do this, the mast step will pull out (if you are lucky) or the mast step will crack, requiring replacement. Good Luck, Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
We use the mainsheet and starboard winch. Pushing up the mast does help in the beginning when it is the hardest. Check the chainplate toggles frequently for binding. They will tend to droop on the padeyes, and if you're not careful, you can bend or snap them. If the mast starts to get hard to raise as you approch vertical, stop and check the toggles and be ready to back off. Something else to avoid is forgetting the temporary support stays. If you do this, the mast step will pull out (if you are lucky) or the mast step will crack, requiring replacement. Good Luck, Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
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Dave Condon
Good responses from everyone
all the posts are good responses and many thanks to you sailors for all of us learn something. One suggestion, do look for any overhead obstructions and p0ower lines from the place you stand the mast to the ramp and vice versa.
all the posts are good responses and many thanks to you sailors for all of us learn something. One suggestion, do look for any overhead obstructions and p0ower lines from the place you stand the mast to the ramp and vice versa.
G
Greg Sweitzer
Lookout for
I found that raising the mast singlehanded I cannot use the winch. The reason is that I need to be standing on the deck to keep the mast raising strut perpindicular to the deck and mast. The first time I raised the mast I was not watching this and bent (destroyed) the mast raising strut, as well as bending the fitting it pins into on the deck. I am 175#, but still find the effort to raise the mast is considerable. I use the following checklist to raise and lower the mast on my '99 26: RAISING MAST -make sure rudder uphaul rope is tight -unplug light harness before trailer enters water (greatly extends life of bulbs) -If raising mast in water, make sure ballast is added first. -apply spray silicone to mast crutch roller & bottom of mast to slide better -After mast is rolled aft, tape shrouds to lifeline to prevent buckling -Don't trust Jib Halyard stop alone to raise mast--also attach to winch and tie off (do this first and close stop second) -Pin Mast Raising Pole perpendicular to mast (won't pivot there from parallel) -Mast raising pole how many degrees forward / aft? -Tie forward end of furling jib to mast raising pole--keeps it from scratching the deck -before hoisting final check that mast is not binding in crotch -Go slow, don't be in a hurry, check each step of the way.. -Main sheet and tackle should be parallel and straight -When raising mast use body and grip on main sheet as group to prevent mast raising pole From veering port or starboard; it becomes stable after raised 1/3 way or so, but needs this help at first. -Pull furling into bracket by tying rope around neck and stepping in loop on other end. -Do not leave boat with mast raised without water in it--wind can knock it over. LOWERING MAST -Insert mast crutch (bend towards front of boat) and pin. -Draw main sheet across cleat for friction -Steer top of mast into crutch by moving main sheet (slightly) sideways. -spray silicone roller & bottom of mast to slide better -Start slid forward from BACK of boat and work past harken hdw & etc., then (holding mast in place--very difficult) go to front of boat to finish. -Use mast raising pole to support furling jib base during transport. -Secure shrouds to lifelines with cable ties / rope (elec. tape leaves residue). Make sure shrouds cannot flap around and scratch deck. -Lash mast fore and aft for transport. -Tie stern to trailer 2x, secure rudder, tie bow to trailer Note: I've got Harken lazy jacks and a roller furling jib, which complicates the process, as well as the %^$#@! installers at hunter attached my mast plate crooked. Yep, visibly crooked, making for some interesting adjustments and workarounds to get it all up and running. email me at gsweitzer@voyager.net if you would like more specifics..
I found that raising the mast singlehanded I cannot use the winch. The reason is that I need to be standing on the deck to keep the mast raising strut perpindicular to the deck and mast. The first time I raised the mast I was not watching this and bent (destroyed) the mast raising strut, as well as bending the fitting it pins into on the deck. I am 175#, but still find the effort to raise the mast is considerable. I use the following checklist to raise and lower the mast on my '99 26: RAISING MAST -make sure rudder uphaul rope is tight -unplug light harness before trailer enters water (greatly extends life of bulbs) -If raising mast in water, make sure ballast is added first. -apply spray silicone to mast crutch roller & bottom of mast to slide better -After mast is rolled aft, tape shrouds to lifeline to prevent buckling -Don't trust Jib Halyard stop alone to raise mast--also attach to winch and tie off (do this first and close stop second) -Pin Mast Raising Pole perpendicular to mast (won't pivot there from parallel) -Mast raising pole how many degrees forward / aft? -Tie forward end of furling jib to mast raising pole--keeps it from scratching the deck -before hoisting final check that mast is not binding in crotch -Go slow, don't be in a hurry, check each step of the way.. -Main sheet and tackle should be parallel and straight -When raising mast use body and grip on main sheet as group to prevent mast raising pole From veering port or starboard; it becomes stable after raised 1/3 way or so, but needs this help at first. -Pull furling into bracket by tying rope around neck and stepping in loop on other end. -Do not leave boat with mast raised without water in it--wind can knock it over. LOWERING MAST -Insert mast crutch (bend towards front of boat) and pin. -Draw main sheet across cleat for friction -Steer top of mast into crutch by moving main sheet (slightly) sideways. -spray silicone roller & bottom of mast to slide better -Start slid forward from BACK of boat and work past harken hdw & etc., then (holding mast in place--very difficult) go to front of boat to finish. -Use mast raising pole to support furling jib base during transport. -Secure shrouds to lifelines with cable ties / rope (elec. tape leaves residue). Make sure shrouds cannot flap around and scratch deck. -Lash mast fore and aft for transport. -Tie stern to trailer 2x, secure rudder, tie bow to trailer Note: I've got Harken lazy jacks and a roller furling jib, which complicates the process, as well as the %^$#@! installers at hunter attached my mast plate crooked. Yep, visibly crooked, making for some interesting adjustments and workarounds to get it all up and running. email me at gsweitzer@voyager.net if you would like more specifics..
C
Chris( first mate)
rasing of the mast
I agree with Tom, Rick and Jeff, Just make sure you keep checking to make sure all is clear when raising. Make sure nothig is fouled as this is a time you could break things, because you are so focused on bring up the mast you might not see that you were caught on something and then, pop something broke.
I agree with Tom, Rick and Jeff, Just make sure you keep checking to make sure all is clear when raising. Make sure nothig is fouled as this is a time you could break things, because you are so focused on bring up the mast you might not see that you were caught on something and then, pop something broke.
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