Mast Removal for Winter Storage

[Rick486]

With winter haulout just around the corner I wanted to ask for thinking on removing my mast. I sail a Hunter 44DS which was new for the 2008 season. So this coming winter will be the third haulout for me. So far I've removed all the halyards for messengers and generally lubricated the fittings and winches for the winter but have not unstepped the mast. The boat has been/will be shrink wrapped as well. How often do you think the mast should be removed and stored inside with all fittings checked aloft? What is a good practice? On my previous boat, a 39 ft yawl 30 years old, I removed the sticks every three years but never really found anything to fix. Care to share your thoughts?

Thanks

 

[tommays]

Around here due to storage issues a lot of boats get the mast steped as the hull is moved to and off water storage lot

That being said when i take a trip down to the yard in a winter northeaster the big boats on sight with the mast up are getting some serious stress from the mast and i have seen more than a few boats blow over

 

[Rick I]

Here in Toronto we always remove our masts for haulout. We just take the spreaders, furling drum and masthead stuff off. Lash the rigging and foil to the mast, coil and lash the halyards to the mast. Wrap with Saran wrap (one roll will be lots) and put it away.

 

[Freedom77]

make sure you plug the bottom of the mast. Birds loved to build nests inside. Fair winds...