Most of the O'Day 25s had a mast raising system that came with the boat new. If your boat has triangular plates built into the side stays, you probably have this system. This allows you to raise the mast from the bow using the boom for a Gin Pole. The topping lift is connected to the top of the boom, and the Main sheet is used to lift the mast. The boom has ropes tied to the end of the boom which connect to each of these triangular plates and keeps the boom centered. You need to take the rope off one sheave in each block in order to have enough reach for your Main sheet. So with that said, I don't like this type of mast raising. Especially if you have a roller furler. I'd much rather raise the mast from aft, and use a Gin Pole and my boom vang to lift it. The only other thing needed is a mast crutch and pivot bridles. All this can be built. The mast crutch can have a roller built into it so that you can roll the mast forward or aft.Need to find a system to raise/lower mast when my Oday 25 is in the water. Plan to keep the boat in a covered slip. I am looking for a system I can work by myself. Any suggestions?
Ed,Joe,
The issue with raising the mast from the rear on a 25 or 26 is clearing the hatch. The angle needed toward the stern is apparently greater on these boats than yours. The hatch on these boats is convex to allow for greater standing room below. That upward rounding requires more height at stern to clear.
I have seen one boat modified, to raise the mast base about 2 1/2" with a piece of HDPE mounted under the mast base. I considered doing so, but then all the stays would need extenders, so I have backed off.
However, the balance of the mast during raising would be better your way. Whereas, using the boom as gin pole means it takes two to insert the pin in the base pivot because of the weight overhang over the bow. I am now looking to attaching a support for that issue on my trailer.
Ed K
26