Must a first generation B&R Rig be removed for spreader repair?

[Jim_H42]

1992 Hunter 42 Passage Mast Situation:
2005 Selden Deck Stepped B&R 1st generation Mast - meaning it has a centerline backstay along with a masthead forestay, discontinuous standing rigging with sweptback spreaders.
The mast has side intermediate shrouds that connect just below the lower spreader and terminate on deck on the same structure as the outer shrouds. There are 4 masthead halyards.

What's needed:
One of the upper spreaders and mast connection needs to be removed/repaired/replaced.

Question:
Must the mast be removed, or can this work be done in situ? The plan is to use 2 halyards to stabilize the mast to the toe rail and the other 2 for ascending the mast. Besides loosening the one outer stay, I'd loosen/remove the reverse-diagonal shrouds. I'd mark the currently location of all turnbuckles for future reference.

Has anyone done this before or see a problem with this approach? TIA

 

[jssailem]

Jim
From your description it sounds like a halyard connected to a solid hard point on the side of the mast to be worked on would provide temporary support for your mast. You might try two halyards, one fore and one aft of the stays running up to the mast.

I know some riggers in Sidney BC who replaced all the rigging on a boat one shroud at a time using halyards to secure the mast during the job. Of note they were young and fit. The one that climbed the mast looked like he was a mountain climber fit and lean maybe 160 lbs dripping wet. Not much strain was put on the mast during the project.

Be safe.

 

[artboas]

1992 Hunter 42 Passage Mast Situation:
2005 Selden Deck Stepped B&R 1st generation Mast - meaning it has a centerline backstay along with a masthead forestay, discontinuous standing rigging with sweptback spreaders.
The mast has side intermediate shrouds that connect just below the lower spreader and terminate on deck on the same structure as the outer shrouds. There are 4 masthead halyards.

What's needed:
One of the upper spreaders and mast connection needs to be removed/repaired/replaced.

Question:
Must the mast be removed, or can this work be done in situ? The plan is to use 2 halyards to stabilize the mast to the toe rail and the other 2 for ascending the mast. Besides loosening the one outer stay, I'd loosen/remove the reverse-diagonal shrouds. I'd mark the currently location of all turnbuckles for future reference.

Has anyone done this before or see a problem with this approach? TIA

Respectfully, I’d get a pro rigger to work on this. Safety & insurance are huge issues. Also, he’ll have the right gear to do the job.
Good luck

 

[Jim_H42]

Just too follow up on this.

I was able to remove the upper spreader with the mast in place. I measured all the turn bucks and put in place 2 halyards to the toerail. After removing the diagonals and loosening the outer shroud I was able to remove the upper spreader.