I would like to see the ODay mast raising instructions for the system using the triangular boom bridle fittings in the shrouds. I know this topic has been discussed here extensively, but every pertinent answer I find directs the reader to another location that I simply can't get to for one reason or another (doesn't exist, may exist by another name, etc). I am familiar with all the generic systems using A-frames, gin poles, and even pure muscle, but I want to try the factory recommended system since I have all the gear for that. So, can anyone tell me very where I could find these instructions on this site? I've see references to "Yahoo, O'Day club site", or "Owner Modifications forum", but I am new to this site and am having a hard time finding anything more than generic info. Thanks.
ODay 25 Mast Raising System
- Thread starter bhender999
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Here is a link to the Oday factory system. http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/components/com_mtree/attachment.php?link_id=7701&cf_id=24 The pictures aren't very viewable but it is the only one I have seen.
I have found that O'day handout in a few places but all are probably from the same source as they all are of the same quality.
If you have all the parts you can probably figure it out from geehaw's link.
I don't have the parts and may try improvising by tieing the boom end to the shroud turnbuckles. I read that someone did this and it worked.
A couple of big guys helping hopefully will keep me out of trouble when I lower mine.
If you have all the parts you can probably figure it out from geehaw's link.
I don't have the parts and may try improvising by tieing the boom end to the shroud turnbuckles. I read that someone did this and it worked.
A couple of big guys helping hopefully will keep me out of trouble when I lower mine.
If your stays have the triangular plates, you're pretty much all set. The middle of the boom bridle is made fast to the end of the boom and each end of the bridle is attached to a hole in the plates on both sides of the boat. The purpose of the bridle is to keep the boom centered when there is no tension on the Main sheet which raises and lowers the mast. Your topping lift which is attached to the top of the boom is what helps in this process.
You'll need to remove the line out of one of the sheaves of each of the blocks on your Main sheet in order to have enough rope to open the blocks to reach the end of the boom with the mast laying horizontal. Either that or use a longer line on your Main sheet and take advantage of the full purchase of the blocks. I use my boom vang to raise/lower my mast and I think I have about 60' of braid line on it. I raise my mast from the stern.
My friend Ray has this mast raising system on his 86 O'Day 26. He made up a mast crutch with a roller in it which he uses on his bow pulpit to roll the mast out. The mast becomes a little top heavy once the mast hinge comes in line with the tabernacle on the cabin, so you need to hold it down at the tabernacle until you get it pinned.
It's a nice set up for raising the mast but there is no guarantee that the mast will never go over the side. Especially if there's roller furler connected to it. However there are certain steps that you can take that can decrease that possibility. Make sure that the boat is level from side to side, and make sure the wind is coming directly from the bow. If you have a roller furler, have someone hold and guide it with the mast as it goes up or down.
You'll need to remove the line out of one of the sheaves of each of the blocks on your Main sheet in order to have enough rope to open the blocks to reach the end of the boom with the mast laying horizontal. Either that or use a longer line on your Main sheet and take advantage of the full purchase of the blocks. I use my boom vang to raise/lower my mast and I think I have about 60' of braid line on it. I raise my mast from the stern.
My friend Ray has this mast raising system on his 86 O'Day 26. He made up a mast crutch with a roller in it which he uses on his bow pulpit to roll the mast out. The mast becomes a little top heavy once the mast hinge comes in line with the tabernacle on the cabin, so you need to hold it down at the tabernacle until you get it pinned.
It's a nice set up for raising the mast but there is no guarantee that the mast will never go over the side. Especially if there's roller furler connected to it. However there are certain steps that you can take that can decrease that possibility. Make sure that the boat is level from side to side, and make sure the wind is coming directly from the bow. If you have a roller furler, have someone hold and guide it with the mast as it goes up or down.
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There is nothing wrong with the ginpole system. You just release the outside shrouds, and crank the whole thing up. It's simple cranking , easy to hold with two fingers, and also lower. It really can't go anywhere, as the inners hold it side to side, and the backstay keeps it from falling forward- how much easier can you want?
Thanks to all for the quick responses. The link to the factory instructions from geehaw was exactly what I was looking for. No surprizes there - I even knew about unthreading the mainsheet from the first two sheaves in the blocks to have enough line to make it thru the full arc of the process. I just wanted to be sure before I try this for the first time.
I bought my O'Day 25 from the previous owner in a marina in September and it has been there ever since - till last Saturday. Now it is on it's trailer in the dry storage area because I didn't have the guts to lower the mast after I had hauled it out and realized the true size of the mast. I have had other trailerable sailboats, but never with a mast as beefy as this one, and the thought of lowering it FORWARD, over the bow pulpit AND my tow vehicle to boot, just gave me real pause. I figured I'd better research this a little before I did it based just on what the previous owner had told me (he hadn't done it in many years and his memory of the process seemed a little shaky).
So now, this Saturday I and a couple of sailing friends will give it a go. I'm going to bring my work truck this time and put a sheet of plywood on the lumber rack to use as a working platform from which to set up myself and a cradle to "catch" the mast before it contacts the bow pulpit just for this first time. I will post the results of this adventure next week.
Three more questions -
1) I plan to use the main halyard instead of the topping lift to secure the boom to the masthead because I just don't trust the topping lift that much. Is this a good idea or am I overlooking something?
2) Is the tabernacle really strong enough to keep the mast from swaying side to side provided I have the boat level and no cross wind?
3) I presume I should leave a little slack in the lines between the triangular plates and the boom since the raising proceedure says these lines will slacken as the mast raises (and I am lowering the mast). Anyone have any idea how much slack, if any, I should leave in these lines?
Thanks folks.
I bought my O'Day 25 from the previous owner in a marina in September and it has been there ever since - till last Saturday. Now it is on it's trailer in the dry storage area because I didn't have the guts to lower the mast after I had hauled it out and realized the true size of the mast. I have had other trailerable sailboats, but never with a mast as beefy as this one, and the thought of lowering it FORWARD, over the bow pulpit AND my tow vehicle to boot, just gave me real pause. I figured I'd better research this a little before I did it based just on what the previous owner had told me (he hadn't done it in many years and his memory of the process seemed a little shaky).
So now, this Saturday I and a couple of sailing friends will give it a go. I'm going to bring my work truck this time and put a sheet of plywood on the lumber rack to use as a working platform from which to set up myself and a cradle to "catch" the mast before it contacts the bow pulpit just for this first time. I will post the results of this adventure next week.
Three more questions -
1) I plan to use the main halyard instead of the topping lift to secure the boom to the masthead because I just don't trust the topping lift that much. Is this a good idea or am I overlooking something?
2) Is the tabernacle really strong enough to keep the mast from swaying side to side provided I have the boat level and no cross wind?
3) I presume I should leave a little slack in the lines between the triangular plates and the boom since the raising proceedure says these lines will slacken as the mast raises (and I am lowering the mast). Anyone have any idea how much slack, if any, I should leave in these lines?
Thanks folks.
I use the main halyard when I raise mine as I don't trust my topping lift either.
The tabernacle is not strong enough,however the shrouds will be taught enough to keep the mast from going to far side to side through the raising procedure. Don't disconnect the shrouds just loosen them the suggested 2 turns I believe it is. I don't loosen my shrouds and don''t seem to have a problem.
I leave a little slack,don't take much ,I use ratchet straps so they can be loosened if necessary. I also use a 2x6 across the pulpit with a roller so you can roll the mast back or forward depending on raising or lowering. Attach to pulpit with u bolts.
These mast are not that heavy to lift. The PO could raise and lower the mast by hand. He was about 70 lbs heaver then me and 6 '' taller and 20 years younger. I tried and could only get to almost 45%. But 2 can man handle it fairly easy. 3 is no problem. Greg
The tabernacle is not strong enough,however the shrouds will be taught enough to keep the mast from going to far side to side through the raising procedure. Don't disconnect the shrouds just loosen them the suggested 2 turns I believe it is. I don't loosen my shrouds and don''t seem to have a problem.
I leave a little slack,don't take much ,I use ratchet straps so they can be loosened if necessary. I also use a 2x6 across the pulpit with a roller so you can roll the mast back or forward depending on raising or lowering. Attach to pulpit with u bolts.
These mast are not that heavy to lift. The PO could raise and lower the mast by hand. He was about 70 lbs heaver then me and 6 '' taller and 20 years younger. I tried and could only get to almost 45%. But 2 can man handle it fairly easy. 3 is no problem. Greg
I think that Greg pretty much summed it up. I wasn't sure about slackening the stays until he mentioned it although one of our members always does this on his O'Day 25 when he gets ready to lower the mast.
A plywood platform on the back of your truck is an excellent idea. I was going to suggest that you rig up a makeshift mast crutch that you could set up in the bed of your pickup truck to support the mast once it's down. A guy in our club did this one day with his O'Day 25.
Greg is also smart in using his main halyard at the end of the boom. I wouldn't trust the topping lift either. I use my Jib Halyard and raise/lower from the stern.
Make sure the boat and trailer are level. Have no cross winds and you should have no problem at all. Just take it slow and easy and keep a watchful eye out for snags or twists in the rigging which can throw the mast off balance and send it off sideways.
A plywood platform on the back of your truck is an excellent idea. I was going to suggest that you rig up a makeshift mast crutch that you could set up in the bed of your pickup truck to support the mast once it's down. A guy in our club did this one day with his O'Day 25.
Greg is also smart in using his main halyard at the end of the boom. I wouldn't trust the topping lift either. I use my Jib Halyard and raise/lower from the stern.
Make sure the boat and trailer are level. Have no cross winds and you should have no problem at all. Just take it slow and easy and keep a watchful eye out for snags or twists in the rigging which can throw the mast off balance and send it off sideways.
I was able to clean up that Instruction sheet, I had 2 different ones (different sources?) and the pics in one were MUCH clearer (actually, I think I had copies of the pics from another source). Anyway...... It sounds like you are all set, but htis might help another 25 or 26 owner.
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You asked if the tabernacle is strong enough to keep the mast from swaying from side to side. Actually, none of them really are strong enough. If something is going to break I'd rather it be the tabernacle and not my mast.
My friend's Hunter 27 was sitting on the mooring one stormy night and one of his stays parted which caused the mast to go over the side. There was no damage to the mast whatsoever. The tabernacle plate which isn't a hinge plate, pulled off the cabin top where it's held with wood screws. With a little Fiberglas repair, he was back in business. These boats were designed that way for this purpose.
If you follow the advice and take it slow, your mast should come right down nice and straight with no swaying.
There are some additional things you can do to insure that this mast lowering is successful. I've seen some of the guys in the club take a long pole and Mickey Mouse a crutch to it and have a guy use it to hold and guide the mast down.
If you have a furler, it should be also guided.
The temporary boom bridles which attach to your triangular plates offer some lateral stability but it won't be enough if one of your stays gets snagged, a cross wind, or the boat leaning to one side.
I have a different set up with baby stays, pivot bridles, and a mast yoke and I still have to follow these same rules.
What I'd really like to do is try using my mast yoke with two of my baby stays on my friend Ray's O'Day 26. This yoke can be placed on any mast at arm's reach and the temporary stays (baby stays) would go from the eye bolts on the yoke to the triangular plates along with the boom bridles. Between the boom bridles and the yoke, I'm sure that you'd get a little more lateral stability.
The yoke I made up out of oak a few years ago has a hinge attached to it, but it really doesn't need to be that elaborate. It could be made up to fit snug around your mast with a long bolt to add a little more grip similar to what is seen in the last two pics of my friend Wayne's Seaward 22 mast raising/lowering Gin Pole set up.
My friend's Hunter 27 was sitting on the mooring one stormy night and one of his stays parted which caused the mast to go over the side. There was no damage to the mast whatsoever. The tabernacle plate which isn't a hinge plate, pulled off the cabin top where it's held with wood screws. With a little Fiberglas repair, he was back in business. These boats were designed that way for this purpose.
If you follow the advice and take it slow, your mast should come right down nice and straight with no swaying.
There are some additional things you can do to insure that this mast lowering is successful. I've seen some of the guys in the club take a long pole and Mickey Mouse a crutch to it and have a guy use it to hold and guide the mast down.
If you have a furler, it should be also guided.
The temporary boom bridles which attach to your triangular plates offer some lateral stability but it won't be enough if one of your stays gets snagged, a cross wind, or the boat leaning to one side.
I have a different set up with baby stays, pivot bridles, and a mast yoke and I still have to follow these same rules.
What I'd really like to do is try using my mast yoke with two of my baby stays on my friend Ray's O'Day 26. This yoke can be placed on any mast at arm's reach and the temporary stays (baby stays) would go from the eye bolts on the yoke to the triangular plates along with the boom bridles. Between the boom bridles and the yoke, I'm sure that you'd get a little more lateral stability.
The yoke I made up out of oak a few years ago has a hinge attached to it, but it really doesn't need to be that elaborate. It could be made up to fit snug around your mast with a long bolt to add a little more grip similar to what is seen in the last two pics of my friend Wayne's Seaward 22 mast raising/lowering Gin Pole set up.
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There are two threads running for mast raise and lowering. One for the 25 and one for the 222.
One word of caution for the 25. There is an eyelet riveted to the mast about a foot off the deck and towards the stern. My boat and a dock mates both have punch marks where the mast was lowered to stern and the eyelet went into the cabin top. Beware.
One word of caution for the 25. There is an eyelet riveted to the mast about a foot off the deck and towards the stern. My boat and a dock mates both have punch marks where the mast was lowered to stern and the eyelet went into the cabin top. Beware.
That's a good point well taken Ward. If you choose to raise/lower a mast on an O'Day 25 from the stern you need to, 1. make sure that your crutch is set high enough so that the mast clears the cabin, and 2. remember to close the companionway sliding hatch.
I'm pretty sure that Rich (RBone) raises/lowers from the stern on his O'Day 25 and he has it down to a science.
I can remember lowering an O'Day 25 mast aft at the YC dock many years ago. We tied a step ladder to the stern rail for the mast to rest on when we got it down.
However, all of the guys at our club who own O'Day 25s and a 26 raise/lower over the bow and they do it with the boat sitting on the trailer in the club yard.
As far as mast raising/lowering goes on an O'Day 222, my side stay chainplates are placed aft of my mast. There is no way to lower my mast over the bow without disconnecting those side stays. I could disconnect the backstay on my boat and my mast will not fall over the bow. It sure would on a Santana 22 but not an O'Day 222.
The two biggest advantages you can have in lowering a mast over the stern are: The mast can be tied to mast crutches with all the stays connected to the chainplates, save the forestay, with the mast head pointing aft and the sail track pointing down. You'll get no dirt in the mast groove, and the mast is always ready to be rolled aft, that is, provided that you have a small roller in the rear mast crutch.
There aren't many guys on this site who trailer an O'Day 25 but I know there are a few who do. Even if you don't trailer-sail an O'Day 25 and you're just trailering the boat down to club in the spring to launch it for the season as I do, you only need to untie the mast and roll it aft far enough to pin the tabernacle. All your stays are connected and you can set up your Gin Pole and baby stays and your good to go. I think that Rich could attest to this. If a 25 owner wishes to raise over the bow, that's OK too. "Whatever floats your boat" as the old saying goes.
Joe
I'm pretty sure that Rich (RBone) raises/lowers from the stern on his O'Day 25 and he has it down to a science.
I can remember lowering an O'Day 25 mast aft at the YC dock many years ago. We tied a step ladder to the stern rail for the mast to rest on when we got it down.
However, all of the guys at our club who own O'Day 25s and a 26 raise/lower over the bow and they do it with the boat sitting on the trailer in the club yard.
As far as mast raising/lowering goes on an O'Day 222, my side stay chainplates are placed aft of my mast. There is no way to lower my mast over the bow without disconnecting those side stays. I could disconnect the backstay on my boat and my mast will not fall over the bow. It sure would on a Santana 22 but not an O'Day 222.
The two biggest advantages you can have in lowering a mast over the stern are: The mast can be tied to mast crutches with all the stays connected to the chainplates, save the forestay, with the mast head pointing aft and the sail track pointing down. You'll get no dirt in the mast groove, and the mast is always ready to be rolled aft, that is, provided that you have a small roller in the rear mast crutch.
There aren't many guys on this site who trailer an O'Day 25 but I know there are a few who do. Even if you don't trailer-sail an O'Day 25 and you're just trailering the boat down to club in the spring to launch it for the season as I do, you only need to untie the mast and roll it aft far enough to pin the tabernacle. All your stays are connected and you can set up your Gin Pole and baby stays and your good to go. I think that Rich could attest to this. If a 25 owner wishes to raise over the bow, that's OK too. "Whatever floats your boat" as the old saying goes.
Joe
I use the system that Rich designed and it works well. Here is the link: http://forums.oday.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=123604
Note that I use a block at the bow and use an extra mainsheet I have to pull from the bow. Also, I added a cross member on the steel tubing so that it can't bow outward (i.e., the tubing was flexing a little as I started pulling up the mast) although that is probably overkill. Overall, it has worked very well for me. I do have a second person helping out when I raise it but in principle you can raise it single handed with this approach. I like having a couple of sets of eyes on the rig as it's going up. Note also you need to make sure the stays don't hang up and bend the t-bolts. I did that once and it cost me a few bucks to replace them.
Dave
s/v Lagniappe
O'Day 25
Note that I use a block at the bow and use an extra mainsheet I have to pull from the bow. Also, I added a cross member on the steel tubing so that it can't bow outward (i.e., the tubing was flexing a little as I started pulling up the mast) although that is probably overkill. Overall, it has worked very well for me. I do have a second person helping out when I raise it but in principle you can raise it single handed with this approach. I like having a couple of sets of eyes on the rig as it's going up. Note also you need to make sure the stays don't hang up and bend the t-bolts. I did that once and it cost me a few bucks to replace them.
Dave
s/v Lagniappe
O'Day 25
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