Problems with Stepping the mast on my 1998 Hunter 240

Jan 6, 2021
5
Hunter 240 Charlotte Harbor
I purchased a 1998, 240 last week and am having issues stepping the mast. I purchased it from an elderly gentleman, the boat is in fantastic shape but the seller didn't provide much guidance or any manuals. I Down loaded the owners manual and have been following the steps. My problem; when I move the mast aft from the travel configuration, the base of the mast lands about 5 inches to port of the mast step casting, I can sort of force the mast base into the casting but the holes don't line up close enough to insert the step pin. moving aft and attempting to push the mast a little in any direction doesn't have an effect on the mast base, because it seems the mast struts keep the mast base from moving left or right in any meaningful way.

I noticed the locking nut on the port strut was a couple turns above the strut, not snug, like the starboard strut locking nut.
Has anyone experienced similar problems or can help with suggestions?

My thoughts were to disconnect the struts from the deck, place the mast into the step casting, install the pin, then adjust the struts and reattach them to the deck. Is this a good idea?
 
Feb 18, 2011
315
Hunter 260 Cave Run Lake, KY
Welcome to the forum! Did you try tightening up that loose nut and see if that pulls it over at all? Also check that the mast crutch is oriented so the arm/roller is on the port side of the pole- if it is to starboard it would push the base of the mast to port. Your idea of loosening or disconnecting the struts is certainly worth a try- just reattach before attempting to raise the mast. One of the struts may have gotten bent a little. Also in case you have not already been told, before you raise the mast secure the turnbuckles in the full vertical position on the U-bolts or they will bind and the t-bolts will bend. I use bungee cords attached to the lifelines to keep them up.
Once you get it working it is a great system for raising the mast.
 
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Jan 6, 2021
5
Hunter 240 Charlotte Harbor
Thank you very much for your suggestions. The issue was, as you mentioned, the mast crutch was in installed with the rollers to starboard. As soon as I lifted the mast and twisted it to port, the base of the mast and pin holes aligned perfectly in the step. I looked through my downloads to see where I missed it and couldn't find any mention. For such an easy and sensible fix, it could have gotten ugly. Thank You again Caverun!
 
Sep 24, 2018
2,549
O'Day 25 Chicago
Don't be afraid to call Dave. He's very knowledgeable and is guaranteed to give you a chuckle or at least an entertaining story over the phone
 
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Jan 6, 2021
5
Hunter 240 Charlotte Harbor
Thank you for the offers and advice. I'm a little hesitant to put my number out there. How does one send a private message?
 
May 1, 2011
4,189
Pearson 37 Lusby MD
Hover your mouse over Crazy Dave's avatar, and you'll see Send a Private Message on the bottom of the pop-up.
 
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Jun 8, 2004
10,024
-na -NA Anywhere USA
I finally received a phone call today from the poster. It is great I will. Be working with a veteran but sadly raising the mast today he lost it breaking the mast. I will be helping him as I know who to go to get him fixed up
 
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Jan 6, 2021
5
Hunter 240 Charlotte Harbor
Thank you Crazy Dave for the expert advice and taking the time to help me on this troubling day. I look forward to talking again with you.
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,024
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Mast stabilizer struts vs wires. I am waiting on a couple of phone calls to get him repaired. Know now how it happened. Captainran, I will advise you. Send me a private message with phone number.
I will call
 
Last edited:
Jun 8, 2004
10,024
-na -NA Anywhere USA
I will have The owner to contact Al Fooks who will arrange for a new mast to be built by the mfg to include the boat being taken to the mfg to stand mast, tune mast
The owner will be able to see how the mast is raised properly. Will keep you abreast.
 
Jan 6, 2021
5
Hunter 240 Charlotte Harbor
Thank you everyone for helping me with my calamity. I just returned with my 240 from Alachua (600 mile round trip) yesterday with a new mast from US Spars/Z. Diffusion. Mattias and the men up there were top notch, friendly and experts at rigging. They took the time to go further then required to send me down the road to successful trailer sailing. I must of spent 3 or 4 hours on the phone with Crazy Dave Condon, educating me about everything from masts to Hunters to movies, to how to break it to my wife, very enjoyable conversations. Thank you very much Crazy Dave for giving me so much of your time and sharing your knowledge. With Crazy Dave's recommendation, I connected with Al Fooks from Sailboatowners.com, who spearheaded the particulars with US Spars, and put the whole transaction together for me. Again, a knowledgeable professional who knows all things Hunter, with very good customer services skills. As the months slipped by, he was very courteous with me and always returned my text and phone inquiries', I highly recommend Al for all your sailing hardware needs. And thank you Caverun for taking the time to help me get this problem remedied. I went from almost vomiting with distress when the mast came tumbling down around me, to almost misty eyed at the end of the process (I accept I may be a little too attached, but you know lol), thanks again to all you sailors who pitched in to help me. I deeply appreciate it!