MAST Stepping

[GBillstein]

Hi

I'm an ex-power boater and very new and excited to be entering the into the Sailing world. I purchased a 1972 Catalina 27 that im looking to fixup/do some work on. For starters.. Im having the boat moved into my back yard and I could use ANY advise/pictures/directions you can offer on stepping down the mast. Ive seen the utube vid using a 2x4 A-frame on stepping the mast... It doesnt look too difficult. I can be reached at my email directly - B4344@YAHOO.COM

Thanks much.. gary

 

[caguy]

Is the mast base hinged in the front? If so you can use your boom as a gin pole by attaching your halyard to it and securing it at on the mast cleat. Then use your main sheet to lower the mast. You will likely have to replace the mainsheet with a longer rope. You also need to add stays to the boom to prevent it from going sideways on you. I used the main sheet rope after removing it from the blocks when I replaced it with the longer line for lowering. I ran the stays through the genoa fairleads wrapped it around the winch and tied it off. I also put temporary stays clamped to the back stay and attached the other end to a bridal that ran from one stanchion base to another.
The bridals have a ring that is at the pivot point of the mast base hinge. It worked really well.
You will need something to rest the mast on when it comes down that will keep it above the pulpit or it may bend your pulpit. I used an extension ladder with a roller on it. I set that up in the bed of the truck against the cabin. I secured it with a pvc pole at the bottom and straps. It was remarkably stable. I raised it by myself with out any problems. I've attached some pictures of the bridals and the ladder set up.

 

[GBillstein]

Thanks and sounds good. I printed this out to keep with my notes. Unfort.. my mast is not hinged yet.. but it will be when it goes back up.

 

[caguy]

Do you have a picture of what your's looks like? All of the 27's that I've seen have been hinged in the front.