Mast Stepping - ODAY 272 LE

[ianhoyte]

Hello ODay Owners or those experienced with stepping a mast.

Does the mast boot provide for a hinge-like pin connection into the deck plate for a secure connection before it is raised?

I am very close to making a decision to purchase an ODay 272 LE, but before I do I need to know whether I'll be able to step the mast without the aid of a lift.

The boat's mast plate is a US-Spars Z-1175x and the mast Boot is a Z-260SF-10/2P (http://www.rigrite.com/Spars/SparParts/Sheaves.html). The seller's relied on a lift/crane to step the mast at his marina therefore he's never used the included A-frame system or explored the use of a gin-pole for mast stepping. If I purchase the boat, I want to be able to step the mast using a gin pole singlehanded as I've done before when I owned a MacGregor, but I'm unsure on how or whether the boot and plate can be connected securely before beginning to raise the mast.

Has anyone have experience with this mast boot and deck plate system.

Thanks

 

[Bosman]

I have helped a fellow member at our marina with 272LE to raise his mast. On his boat, there is a hinge, but it is not secured in any form. It took 5 of us (one person watching) to raise the mast... It is definitely not a macgregor mast. Without additional side-stays to secure the mast from moving sideways, gin pole alone may not be enough. This mast is heavy.

 

[cb32863]

I have an O'Day 25 and that mast, which is a couple feet shorter, weighs 60 pounds. I have used a gin pole and a crane to raise and lower it.... crane wins. Easily. Now, could I raise and lower the mast by myself with a gin pole and what not, sure.... but... I would rather not. Its not a quick and easy exercise. Especially on a 272....

 

[31seahorse]

Welcome to these forums,
We considered trailering a 272LE before we bought our boat. Once we saw the size and length of the mast we decided that moving this boat out of the water is a job for professionals at a boat yard with a travellift. Stepping the mast even once or twice a season would be a feat of strength far beyond most people. We love our boat for its sailing characteristics, design, and draft, but is isn't a small boat. Somewhere (I think on SBO) recently I read a post about a boat that had the mast step pulled out of the cabin top during a raise or lower of the mast. Our mast step is built with pins fore and aft to allow the mast to be lowered, but I won't be trying that. Phil

 

[ianhoyte]

Feedback Rcvd for Mast Stepping ODay 272 LE

Thanks for the feedback Phil, it's obviously better to find these things out prior to the purchase.

 

[ianhoyte]

Appreciate the feedback. Bye the way, what's the draft, headroom and beam of your 25?

 

[cb32863]

Appreciate the feedback. Bye the way, what's the draft, headroom and beam of your 25?

The 25 has an 8 foot beam. With centerboard up she drafts 23", down about 6 feet. Head room I think is about 5'-8" or 5'-6". Not really sure as I am about 6' and have to stoop anyway... Oh the keel version drafts 4'-6".