Mast Stepping

[Guest]

I am buying a one-owner 28.5 that had its mast stepped professionally in 1985. The boat must now be transported to a primitive area without facilities such as would be found in most "civilized" areas. The mast has to be re-stepped by unexperienced people and jury-rigged equipment. Can any source be found to explain what needs to be done to step this mast?What do I need to successfully step this mast. Are there parts or fittings I will need to replace?

 

[Tim]

you need to do this anyway

You really ought to unstep your mast every few seasons anyway to inspect hardware; 14 years is far too long.-look for cracks in any hardware. Maybe buy one of those dye kits the chandler sells. Replace anything in doubt. Look for fishhooks in the wires.-Use all new split rings/cotter pins.-Do not tape anything in such a way as to trap moisture.Hand tighten the rigging and sail it a few times. The rig will stretch slightly with use. Use one halyard run to either side of the deck to check that the mast is straight and gradually tighten the rig until the leeward shrounds are just barely not slack on either tack.

 

[Dave McIlveen]

Step/unstep 28.5 mast

You will need some type of boom/small crane to step the mast safely. Sling should be placed on the upper spreader to provide easiest handling after mast is lifted. One person can handle the mast with one operating the crane. If you place sling on the lower spreader it is very hard for one person to control. It is a little more difficult to retreive the sling off the upper spreader after the mast is in place. Make sure all stays ands shrouds are free and raise mast with crane. Lift the mast up a few inches over the deck plate and connect light connections (2) WATCH YOUR FINGERS! You may also have to connect any other connections such as VHF. If you have a furler someone will have to tend this as you step the mast.Once the connections are made lower carefully! This is critical as you do not want to jam any wires between the mast and plate. Next, hook up the forestay ( or furler) and backstay. Then hook up the shrouds. Tighten all rigging well. Leeward shrouds should not be loose when under sail! I am assuming you have inspected all masthead gear, rigging and halyards prior to this point!.Hope this is of some help.Dave McIlveen28.5 "Osprey"