Mast Step on an H23

[Dave B5103]

I purchased an H23 in November, and have yet to rig it and put it in the water (since there is still 18 inches of snow on the ground!)My question is about the mast step plate. I noticed it only has a single pin, on the aft side of the plate, to hinge the mast up. But there is no forward pin or holes for a pin. Is this normal on an H23?Thanks-Dave B

 

[Brian M H23]

That damn forward pin

Some have it, some don't. the newer boats, don't. It doesn't really serve much purpose unless you are putting so much bend into the mast that you think you might be coming close to breaking the first pin, or using the mast as a post for a tow rope. however, if you try to take the mast down, with both pins installed, you WILL damage things. ask me how I know (i can assure you, the pin doesn't do anything in keeping the mast upright - it only keeps the mast foot from sliding. One pin and a hell of a lot of friction is probably good enough.

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

Brian's right

some boats only have one pin. A few years ago, comparing notes on masts, it was determined that there were three different masts used on h23s. Mine has a plate bent into a "U" shape with a 3/8" bolt through it, which serves as a pivot point while raising the mast. Don't worry, yours is normal, and so long as you remember to fasten and tune your stays (having inspected the fittings), it won't fall down. Happy Sailing.Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[Dave B]

Thanks for the reply!

Thanks for the replies!I had a smaller sailboat with two pins, so when I moved up in size and saw less pins it didn't seem right. Thanks for setting me at ease.-Dave

 

[Brian M H23]

One more thing

having a forward pin DOES allow you to tilt the mast FORWARD, while still being affixed to the boat. You would need to remove both lowers, both uppers, and the backstay, but there might be a reason?