Masting an S245

[Daydreams]

Can anyone tell me the best/easiest way to raise the mast on a S245 please, or any experiences you have had doing so. In water or out.

 

[jon redifer]

I took my mast down and re installed it on my 245 with the help of several friends... Tie a line on each of the outer side shrouds as you unfasten them, and have a person take each one 10 - 20 ft outward from the boat. they will keep the mast from moving from side to side by keeping light pressure on the lines. then do the same with the front shroud, using 2 people on that line, and then the rear shroud. when all the shrouds are unfastened and have lines attached and people holding them, take the front bolt out of the mast base, leaving the rear bolt in. unfasten any wires coming from the base, and slowly lower the mast towards the back of the boat. As it comes within reach , I stood in the cockpit and added some support as it came down, once it is down, you can then have several people hold it to take the pressure off of the rear bolt so that it can be removed. Have done this several times on my 245, never had any problems with this method. Just take your time and use a little caution.Jon

 

[pdshoa]

raising and lowering the mast

If you go on the internet there are several methods for raising and lowering the mast, complete with pictures. Usually the more lines and people you have the better.I have raised and lowered my mast several times and each time it has been an adventure. If you do it on land it is much easier as the boat does not rock and roll. In the water it does rock and roll and the mast shifts back and forth making things very exciting -pray no power boats pass by giving you a nice big wake. What has worked best for me is to:1. Remove the boom and all sails.2. Tie a line around the speaders, run this to a pulley fixed to the top of a 10 foot pole tied into the bow. then to another pulley fixed to the u-bolt in the anchor well, and then to the cockpit winch. Apply a little pressure to the line with the winch and secure the line. 3. Next mark all the studs in the turnbuckles so you will know just how much to tighten them when you raise the mast then loossen all the shourds-front rear and sides. 4. Apply more pressure to the line and re-secure it. 5. Detach the front turnbuckle from the bow(the line is now holding the mast in place. 6. Remove the front (nearest the bow) pin from the mast step.7. Ease the line on the winch and slowly lower the mast towards the back of the boat into a boom crutch type of fixture you have installed into the cockpit (the mast should be at a slight angle above level.8. remove the rear pin on the mast step and slide the mast forward. 9. Tie the mast on the bow railing.10 Support the mast in the middle by placing some blocks under it to kepp it from bending. and you are done. Of course during this adventure the shourds got stuck on something and you bent the toggle bolts, the mast swayed back and forth and you hurt your back. In other words "be careful", move slow and check everything more than once.Once you have the mast down raising it is just the reverse , except now you know how hard it will be and of course your anchor light still doesn't work.good luck paul shoaps