Raise

[HNL Beagle]

Does anyone have a better close-up photo of the mast connection for a Hunter sailboat (25.5', 1984)? Is it possible to lower the mast on my own? I need to know if this type of mast is set on a pin that it will rotate on. Thanks!

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Whoa...

It'spossible to do it on your own, but dangerous. As the mast goes up, it becomes increasingly unstable and can come crashing down and rip out the entire fiberglass. Trust me, I did it years ago and am still kicking myself. From what I can tell in the photo, you've got one pin fore and one aft. Here's what to do.1. Be sure the boom is not attached yet.2. Loosen the shrouds but attach them to boat.3. Back up to a hill or prop up the mast.4. Set the aft pin in the mast.5. Snare a passerby for exactly 2 minutes.6. As you raise the mast, he takes the forestay.7. When the mast is up, he pins the forestay.8. Set the fore pin. The worst is over.9. Tighten the forestay, backstay and shrouds.10. Have a beer.

 

[HNL Beagle]

Thanks

Thanks for the warning. I think I'll take your advice and pay an expert. I'm stubborn, but I know my own limits.

 

[Scott21072]

Lowering the Mast

I own an 84 25.5, and I agree with everything Bill has said with few exceptions. I stepped and unstepped my mast many times. If your at a dock your going to need at least one more person to help steady the mast especially stepping the mast. 1st; Remove the Boom.2nd; Disconnect your lower shrouds and tie wrap them to the mast. Because when you lower the mast the pelican hooks will come right out of the mast and into the water. (lessoned learned)3rd; Loosen the Upper shrouds and the forestay.4th; Remove the forward pin on the Deck Step.Leave the aft pin it.5th; Connect a long line to the forward stay. This needs to be long enough so your helper can stay on the dock and help walk the mast back.6th; Close the compianonway hatch. You'll be walking right over this.7th; Now your ready to lower your mast. Check area make sure your not going to be waked while your lowering the mast. 8th; Disconnect the forward stay.9th; Lower the Mast toward the aft end of the boat. Your helper will keep tension on the forestay as you ease your mast back by "Walking" it back. Take it slow and easy. This were the 3rd person comes in handy if you didn't loosen your shrouds enough or just there to help you walk the mast back.10; The mast down, remove aft pin. You and your helpers can now place the mast on top of the boat with the mast step resting on the bow pulpit. I've done this at least 6 times. As long as you take it slow and ensure your helpers know what's going on you shouldn't have any troubles. Only takes about an half hour from start to finish.