Need help with raising Hunter 19 mast

[like2sail]

I have just purchased a 1996 Hunter 19. I have gone over it and it seems all ready to go. However, before taking it out I decided to try and raise the mast. I am confused at the directions in using the pole given. I have searched for pictures even with the 23 and 26 but no luck.
I put the Gin pole in the mast base. I attach the guiding wires to the mast and Gin pole. What goes to the anchor well and what parts do the jib shroud and main play in the process? Pictures I have found are not clear. The manual is not clear to an inexperienced Hunter sailor. Any direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dan

 

[isaksp00]

If it is anything like the H23...
The gin pole would be vertical when the mast is down. I am not familiar with the guiding wires on the 19 but assume they are fixed so that the mast can't sway side to side as it is raised. The jib halyard goes from the masthead to a fitting on the gin pole, and is cleated so it is taut when the gin pole is 90 deg to the mast. Some sort of block and tackle goes from the end of the gin pole down to a fitting in the anchor well (probably the aftmost one, if you have two). In smaller boats I think some use the main sheet block and tackle, though I do not in my 23 - I have another. The tackle is used to raise the mast, and when it is vertical you attach the forestay ("jib shroud") to the proper fitting. If you have a hanked-on jib (not roller reefing) then the stay would go on the foremost fitting so the sail can be shackled to the fitting behind it. If this is your setup, that's why you want to use the aftmost fitting for the lifting tackle - so the one in front of it is free to accept the stay.

I run the free end of the block and tackle aft through a jib sheet block and then to a winch - that's what I use to actually lift it. The 19 mast may be light enough that you don't need to do this.

 

[amry69]

Yep I use my main sheet block and tackle with my H23.5. Pretty easy lifting. Your 19 should be about the same. I have also seen people on YouTube attach the jib halyard to the winch on the trailer and raise it that way. Of course you'd need to cleat the other end of the halyard.

 

[onecoolair]

Put the wind at your back.

I have just purchased a 1996 Hunter 19. I have gone over it and it seems all ready to go. However, before taking it out I decided to try and raise the mast. I am confused at the directions in using the pole given. I have searched for pictures even with the 23 and 26 but no luck.
I put the Gin pole in the mast base. I attach the guiding wires to the mast and Gin pole. What goes to the anchor well and what parts do the jib shroud and main play in the process? Pictures I have found are not clear. The manual is not clear to an inexperienced Hunter sailor. Any direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dan

Put the wind at your back.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If you are still having doubts, send me your phone number to davecondon@mindspring.com and I will call you. I came up with that design for Hunter and know it somewhat

 

[marginal]

If you have a body helper... he can raise the mast easily without the gin pole. Just stay aft while he raise the mast so you can attach the shroud with the pin.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Many cannot physiclly raise the mast alone which is why the mast raise system was made standard with this boat. If you decide to manually stand the mast, it is advise to have two people lift the mast up. With the mast up, one person needs to stand behind it so the mast cannot fall backwards while the other person takes the forestay and not the shroud to attach to the forestay chain plate. The only problem here if the studs are pinned in the turnbuckle it will be a little hard which is why I suggest the mast raise system to be used as you can pull the mast a little forward to attach the forestay.

crazy dave condon

By the way, I have asked the gentleman to send me his phone number so I can assist him. His information to me is private and will never be divulged.