Is it necessary to unstep the mast when the boat is laid up? Up here, the boats are usually on land about 6 months (Oct - Apr) in a year. I have people who tell me that I should and some say it's not necessary. Thanks! Warren B331 "Jetmags"
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About 50% do
At our yard in Rochester, NY, about 50% of the boats leave their masts up during the winter. I take mine down because I feel that whith the winter winds, the boat cannot heel while on the hard, therefor putting more stain on the standing rigging. Those that leave them up may step every two or three years to inspect and replace hardware and lines. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.LakeOntarioSailing.com
At our yard in Rochester, NY, about 50% of the boats leave their masts up during the winter. I take mine down because I feel that whith the winter winds, the boat cannot heel while on the hard, therefor putting more stain on the standing rigging. Those that leave them up may step every two or three years to inspect and replace hardware and lines. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty http://www.LakeOntarioSailing.com
I usually don't....
as things tend to get damaged by yard personnel. However, I do have a rigger go up during the off season to check for things that need repair. I do have the mast pulled if I am installing/replacing things like wind instruments, lights, bulb replace, VHF cable, etc. and is so, try accomplish many things at that time. Usually it works out about once every 3-4 years.
as things tend to get damaged by yard personnel. However, I do have a rigger go up during the off season to check for things that need repair. I do have the mast pulled if I am installing/replacing things like wind instruments, lights, bulb replace, VHF cable, etc. and is so, try accomplish many things at that time. Usually it works out about once every 3-4 years.
Unstepping mast
Warren, I keep my boat in City Island NY over the winter and when I bought my Beneteau the owner of the yard recommended unstepping the mast every three years. This way everything can be checked and changed if needed. Fair winds Charlie Gruetzner
Warren, I keep my boat in City Island NY over the winter and when I bought my Beneteau the owner of the yard recommended unstepping the mast every three years. This way everything can be checked and changed if needed. Fair winds Charlie Gruetzner
Annual check
You should either go up the mast once a year, or unstep it to look it over at least every 2-3 years.
You should either go up the mast once a year, or unstep it to look it over at least every 2-3 years.
Leave ours up...
When we purchased our boat the mast was up so we asked our surveyor about how it should be stored. He said he leaves his up and goes up it every year to inspect it. It is taken down every few years or so if you need to repair/inspect wiring etc. He also felt that the wear and tear of taking it all down and putting it back up every year did more damage than the wind would do while it was on the hard. (He is a very knowledgable sailor/surveyor and we value his opinion... contrary to most peoples' experiences with surveyors) Our marina also has a policy I think is a good one for safety purposes. If the boat is in a cradle the mast may be left up. Any boat on jack stands must have the mast stepped for the winter. Happy laying up for the winter...
Canadice H28 Great Blue Ferrisburgh, VT
When we purchased our boat the mast was up so we asked our surveyor about how it should be stored. He said he leaves his up and goes up it every year to inspect it. It is taken down every few years or so if you need to repair/inspect wiring etc. He also felt that the wear and tear of taking it all down and putting it back up every year did more damage than the wind would do while it was on the hard. (He is a very knowledgable sailor/surveyor and we value his opinion... contrary to most peoples' experiences with surveyors) Our marina also has a policy I think is a good one for safety purposes. If the boat is in a cradle the mast may be left up. Any boat on jack stands must have the mast stepped for the winter. Happy laying up for the winter...
Canadice H28 Great Blue Ferrisburgh, VT- Status