I have a 1992 Hunter 33.5 which is hauled and stored on land for the winter. Last year I kept my mast up for the winter. I have been a boat owner for many years and virtually always take my mast down for the winter. This is the 3rd season that I will own my current boat. Is there any consensus on how often a mast should be removed from a boat for winter storage. Every second season? Every third season? Some experiences of "northerners" on this topic would be appreciated. Mike Walach
- Status
Every 3 years
I am in New Jersey and have mine removed every 3 years, did it in 1999 and will do it again this year. Will have the mast tuned when re-installed, check fittings, spreaders and boots, halyards, etc.
I am in New Jersey and have mine removed every 3 years, did it in 1999 and will do it again this year. Will have the mast tuned when re-installed, check fittings, spreaders and boots, halyards, etc.
Bob, Mike...
Why? I am a VERY new sailor and I will like to know the logic and/or criteria for pullling the mast if nothing is wrong. I am also a pilot and aircraft mechanic and for sure we don't take the wings out of the airplanes when we store them... Aldo S/V Isabel Hun27
Why? I am a VERY new sailor and I will like to know the logic and/or criteria for pullling the mast if nothing is wrong. I am also a pilot and aircraft mechanic and for sure we don't take the wings out of the airplanes when we store them... Aldo S/V Isabel Hun27
Aldo, think "Annual" !
Aldo' I'm a little surprised that you, as an A&P, question the need for periodic inspection and mantenence. The control systems inside the mast are as important as the control systems in a plane. I am a pilot and would not be comfortable flying a plane that has not had all “required” systems inspected at the appropriate times. I realize this analogy only goes so far, but a system failure in a strong blow could be disastrous. Like the engines, perhaps mast inspection intervals should be based on hours of use? You may be asking “what’s wrong with doing the inspection in a bosuns chair?” My answer is “I don’t know”, but I would question the ability to do as thorough an inspection with at least some components under load (stays & shrouds). Don Bodemann
Aldo' I'm a little surprised that you, as an A&P, question the need for periodic inspection and mantenence. The control systems inside the mast are as important as the control systems in a plane. I am a pilot and would not be comfortable flying a plane that has not had all “required” systems inspected at the appropriate times. I realize this analogy only goes so far, but a system failure in a strong blow could be disastrous. Like the engines, perhaps mast inspection intervals should be based on hours of use? You may be asking “what’s wrong with doing the inspection in a bosuns chair?” My answer is “I don’t know”, but I would question the ability to do as thorough an inspection with at least some components under load (stays & shrouds). Don Bodemann
I have been told . . .
(by someone whose opinion I respect) that invariably, when a sailboat is knocked off her stands on land durining a winter storm, she has her mast in. I have also read, that the windage on a mast and standing rigging, produces stress on a hull that is not floating, and therefore free to heel slightly with the wind. Chris s/v Tidesong
(by someone whose opinion I respect) that invariably, when a sailboat is knocked off her stands on land durining a winter storm, she has her mast in. I have also read, that the windage on a mast and standing rigging, produces stress on a hull that is not floating, and therefore free to heel slightly with the wind. Chris s/v Tidesong
Don't buy it.
I can't buy the stress argument. True that there is more stress on land comparing bare poles. But the stresses under sail are enormous, much greater than you would ever have in the cradle or stands. I would agree that there is enough windage to make a difference if the stands are not properly secured. I never worry about that with my very substantial cradle. And I like the three year schedule but would probably reduce that to two years in saltwater. Had my rig down for the first time this past winter, my third. Makes the covering very much easier. I could not find a single problem with anything up high. Makes me wonder if someone replaced stuff on this 1979 H37C. It's not a decision to take lightly. It's expensive and it's hard work, especially when you are keel-stepped. It was an all day job just sealing the mast at the partners. I should say partially seal, it still leaks.
I can't buy the stress argument. True that there is more stress on land comparing bare poles. But the stresses under sail are enormous, much greater than you would ever have in the cradle or stands. I would agree that there is enough windage to make a difference if the stands are not properly secured. I never worry about that with my very substantial cradle. And I like the three year schedule but would probably reduce that to two years in saltwater. Had my rig down for the first time this past winter, my third. Makes the covering very much easier. I could not find a single problem with anything up high. Makes me wonder if someone replaced stuff on this 1979 H37C. It's not a decision to take lightly. It's expensive and it's hard work, especially when you are keel-stepped. It was an all day job just sealing the mast at the partners. I should say partially seal, it still leaks.
Every year for me.
Not really by choice, but because of location. I believe I would like to be able to do it every other year. I do like the opportunity to inspect everything and thus be reasonnably certain that nothing is going to let go. The other nice thing is the ability to cover the boat real well.
Not really by choice, but because of location. I believe I would like to be able to do it every other year. I do like the opportunity to inspect everything and thus be reasonnably certain that nothing is going to let go. The other nice thing is the ability to cover the boat real well.
Every year for me
Not really by choice, but because of location. I believe I would like to be able to do it every other year. I do like the opportunity to inspect everything and thus be reasonnably certain that nothing is going to let go. The other nice thing is the ability to cover the boat real well.
Not really by choice, but because of location. I believe I would like to be able to do it every other year. I do like the opportunity to inspect everything and thus be reasonnably certain that nothing is going to let go. The other nice thing is the ability to cover the boat real well.
Every year for me
Not really by choice, but because of location. I believe I would like to be able to do it every other year. I do like the opportunity to inspect everything and thus be reasonnably certain that nothing is going to let go. The other nice thing is the ability to cover the boat real well.
Not really by choice, but because of location. I believe I would like to be able to do it every other year. I do like the opportunity to inspect everything and thus be reasonnably certain that nothing is going to let go. The other nice thing is the ability to cover the boat real well.
Un-step every season
I have the mast unstepped every season and pay to stow the mast in-doors. Why? Well, from what I've read, concurrent with what my surveyor said, and the yard people agreed...freeze/thaw is the problem. Water will sooner or later find it's way into vital rigging areas and weaken the rigging by way of the freeze/thaw effect. The arguement is that by leaving the mast up and the rigging exposed to weather during winter months, the lifespan of the rigging is adversely affected. Is it true? I can't say. Do I want to hurry along the demi$e of the rigging? No. This past winter I would say slightly more than half of the sailboats in the marina yard were un-stepped. The previous owner of my boat did not subscribe to the annual unstepping theory, and judging from the shape of the various attachements/lights and so forth on my mast, I would guess it spent many a winter season in place. I have not read any so-called pundit claiming that leaving the mast stepped during winter would damage the mast itself. It does, however, make sense that anywhere water can pool and freeze, that potential damage can result. Otherwise, why would we drain our fresh water systems and fill with anti-freeze during the winter? Mike
I have the mast unstepped every season and pay to stow the mast in-doors. Why? Well, from what I've read, concurrent with what my surveyor said, and the yard people agreed...freeze/thaw is the problem. Water will sooner or later find it's way into vital rigging areas and weaken the rigging by way of the freeze/thaw effect. The arguement is that by leaving the mast up and the rigging exposed to weather during winter months, the lifespan of the rigging is adversely affected. Is it true? I can't say. Do I want to hurry along the demi$e of the rigging? No. This past winter I would say slightly more than half of the sailboats in the marina yard were un-stepped. The previous owner of my boat did not subscribe to the annual unstepping theory, and judging from the shape of the various attachements/lights and so forth on my mast, I would guess it spent many a winter season in place. I have not read any so-called pundit claiming that leaving the mast stepped during winter would damage the mast itself. It does, however, make sense that anywhere water can pool and freeze, that potential damage can result. Otherwise, why would we drain our fresh water systems and fill with anti-freeze during the winter? Mike
- Status