Mast

[logear]

Can anyone clue me in as to the proper procedure of raising the mast on a 22 when only one person is available to complete the task?? how should the mast be positioned top to aft??? if so, how does one raise it into position ,without worrying about it possibly tipping over to either side, while it is in the midst of travel, even after it has been secured to the deck in the mast mounting bracket?

 

[Glenn]

Raising the Mast

I have a 1987 Mark II and I started to sail depending on the Admiral to help step the mast, this didn't take me to long to figure that this is a job that I need to do by my self. I fashioned a devise out of 2" aluminum that hing where the rudder goes it is about five feet long and the mast rest in the top (where I have a roller)for trailering. When I get to where I intend to sail, I unfasten the mast roll it back toward the stern until the bottom of the mast gets to where it is to be pinned, pin it and walk it up pin the forestay and adjust.

 

[Ed P.]

Don't Recommend It

I have an '85 Catalina 22 and had a real bad experience trying to lower the mast by myself. Even though I was using the main sheet (4:1) attached to the forestay and the jib winch, I had great difficulty in lowering it slowly and the result was about half way down, it swung out to port and slightly bent the mast step.I have since read a lot of posts on various bulletin boards about the "absolute" system for stepping the mast single-handed and I've come to the conclusion that they all have some serious drawbacks since they all require "hands off" the mast at some point during the procedure.The only way you can truly control the mast is to have someone else lower it, while you hold on an guide it to where it should go. At the price of replacing the mast, I for one do not want to take the chance of dropping it or worse yet, injuring myself in the process.I've found there are usually always an experienced sailor or two around who are more than willing to lend a hand. Leave the "Admiral" home for this task if need be, but always get a second set of hands to help. You'll be glad you did.Ed P. "See Da Moon" S/N 13106

 

[Gary Bordeaux]

Mast raising

I have soloed the mast now up and down 4 times. I have an 8' crutch that is made out of a 2x2 and a little plywood. Move the mast aft until base of mast is at mast step. Pin mast. Stradle mast facing aft. Keeping back straight use legs to start the mast up stepping backwards towards the step and using arms as you get higher. When mast is up grab forestay and walk to the bow and pin. It helps to have an adjustable backstay.Its not hard and it doesn't require alot of strength. I'm 5'7" and weigh 145lbs.

 

[Ted]

Check out my web site . . .

http://sites.netscape.net/tedsailingpage/look up the page on mast raising.Regards,Ted

 

[Bob B.]

solo mast rasiing

I have raised the mast with two people but the method could work with just one person.First, place the mast over the bow and attach it at the mast step. The boom is in place and supported by the main halyard. The main sheet is run up to the boom and is used to pull up the mast using the boom for leverage. To keep the mast from tilting sideways use a rope from the boom to the base of each of the main shrouds. These should be snug. If they are too tight the mast will twist in the mast step. This would prevented if the boom-mast joint could be locked with a scab or brace. We did this on a 30 foot boat and three times on my Catalina 25. The second person acted as a spotter for lose lines and shrouds so one pearson could do it he was careful and watched for problelms.