23.5 Mast Raising
Joe,What year is your 23.5? I have a '96 h23.5 and can give you the instuctions you need. I had the same problem when I got our boat and being an engineer thought I could figure this out, However the first mate had a better idea. We went to a Hunter dealer and asked. The previous owner had all his work done by his yard so had no clue. I believe that the system for the 93 to 96 23.5 are different than the later H24's.On the 23.5, you should have a gin pole (about 9 feet long), two short side stays (aprox.4 feet long)and the main halyard sheet to do this job.You will insert the gin pole into the hole at the base of the mast after pulling the mast back and inserting the pin connecting the mast base to the mounting plate on the cabin top. Connect the jib halyard to the aft eye on the pole and Allow about a 15 degree aft angle on the gin pole. Cleat off the jib halyard to the mast. Connect the main sheet to the eye in the anchor locker and connect the other end to the forward eye in the gin pole with the cam cleat to the gin pole. Connect the side stays to the mast and to the eyes provided on the stantions. The hooks on the side stays will go in if inserted from the aft and then rotated forward. This step is important as it will keep the mast from swaying side to side.After all is rigged just pull in the main sheet and the mast will go up easily. We have to double check that the turnbuckles don't jam as the mast is raised. I've also learned to check that all halyards and sheets are properly aligned when the mast is partway up.I have a furler on my boat but the process is the same without. Once the mast is up pin the furler/forestay, disconnect the gin pole and side stays and continue rigging. Much easier than it sounds.If I've missed anything, perhaps someone on the list will have additional advice.Mike Ds/v Sail La Vie