Mast stepping

[darryl1974]

Anyone have a good way to step the mast on a 7.3

 

[StanFM]

I'm working on the same thing as well... I'll be figuring out a system that will work with just one person. Trying to decide whether to use a separate gin pole system, or use the boom as a gin pole.

 

[BobM]

I'm working on the same thing as well... I'll be figuring out a system that will work with just one person. Trying to decide whether to use a separate gin pole system, or use the boom as a gin pole.

I only did it once on a Lancer 25. Tons of info on the main boards and online. My preference was a gin pole because I preferred to have the mast raised/lowered aft rather than with most of it hanging over my truck or overboard (I did it once on the water). I made a vee gin pole out of electrical conduit smashing the ends flat nod drilling them to connect at one and. The other connection was at the chain plate so the flattened ends were perpendicular to each other. I then drilled holes near the vee for two eye bolts. One up and one down for the lines. I ran a line from a sheet winch to a block at the bow chain plate to the bottom eye and connected a halyard to the other eye (as I recall). It was a two man operation and very scary when the mast is near straight up as it can go port or starboard and then you have real trouble.

Do your research. There are better methods than mine for sure, but the vee was easy to build and doesn't bolt to the mast.

Good luck,

Bob

 

[trainmanjess]

hello all

try this gin pole method... this system was created for the Mac25 and Mac26's for trailer sailing your boat...

sincerely
Jess

 

[BobnCamie]

We made one with 2 inch square tubes and mounted a boat winch on top end. Clamped bottom to anywhere(we could use toe-rail) with fasteners. Tipped mast toward rear and let winch lower it to cradle built on rudder mounting bracket. Raised in reverse. 2 people better,3 best. Did this on our O'day many times.

 

[StanFM]

I've got to get mine working soon, as I have a road trip in June. I got the bridles and baby stays last weekend. Now to modify/alter the gin pole I made for my 22'. I'll be sure post some pics of it.

 

[jguyer]

Does the 7.3 have a tabernacle ? On my coronado 25 inbuilt an "A" frame out of angle iron. Attached the ' legs to the chain plates and the "point" of the 'A' frame to the fore stay. Then connected a block to fore stay attachment. ( not sure what the term is ) finally rigged a line through said block to the point of the a frame with the other end secured around a winch then to a cleat. This way I could stand in the cock pit and control the mast lowering. Basically the same idea as a gin pole, except with the 'A' frame gives more lateral control of the mast .

 

[StanFM]

Dropped the mast on my 7.3 yesterday. I used a homemade gin pole and a bridle system for baby stays. Forgot my camera, but my wife took a phone pic. I'll try to post a thread with closeup pics of the deal.

Stan