Raising a 24' alum mast

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Feb 28, 2006
4
- - CT
After months of having my father's 1970 21' Venture in the shop for a keel rebuild, wiring, new winch etc., I finally got it back and registered. Since I haven't sailed in 20+ years, I took the AS101 course, and then proceeded to try to raise the mast, figure out how to rig the boat with the sails, etc. Riaisng the mast we used a winch and got it in place. However, lowering it wasn't that easy. Still using the winch and trying to hold the mast in a vertical position and straight back to the stern, the mast shifted to one side, and broke the pin and pulled the mast base from the fiberlass. We plan on taking the boat back to the shop, but how does anyone lower the mast so it doesnt sway to one side? Is this trial and error? It's difficult to stand behind the mast because the cuddy cover is there and doesn't feel that sturdy, and by the time I go down 4' to where the keel winch is, it's too late to do anything when the mast shifts to a side. Perhaps I just don't have the strength to hold the forestay and the mast is SO heavy. Does anyone use an electric winch from the back of a pickup? I realize this is basic sailing, and the manual I have from the manufacturer says lift up the mast and pin it in place, and reverse process for lowering. I wish it was that easy! I realize this is basic rigging, but could someone spell this out for me? Thanks. Jane
 
B

bruce

mast

gin pole and baby stays are used, and discussed on this site.
 
Oct 25, 2005
265
Macgregor 22' Long Beach
raising mast

I use a mast raising system sold by MacGregor and their dealers to raise the mast on their 26 foot boat. Works great and requires no help. The mast raiser costs about $100 and the stainless steel mast step (necessary) costs less than $50. I have a 1971, 22' MacGregor/Venture. Novelman
 
Feb 28, 2006
4
- - CT
raising mast

great replies, I've done some searches and it's been helpful. Does anyone have a link where I can buy a MacGregor mast raising system?
 
Oct 25, 2005
265
Macgregor 22' Long Beach
mast raising system

Go to the factory in Orange County, CA at http://www.macgregor26.com/ or a west coast distributor (I don't know herer you are located) at http://www.macgregorsailboats.com/ Good luck, Novelman
 

Poppop

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Sep 16, 2006
2
- - Huntington,L.I.
raising a 24' mast

When I trailered my V 21,I stepped the mast every time that I sailed. The mast was easy to raise by walking it to the stern and then connecting the forestay. The aft stay and shrouds were always in place. there was no possible side motion because of the Shrouds when it was raised and the shrouds inhibited side motion as it was being raised.
 

Poppop

.
Sep 16, 2006
2
- - Huntington,L.I.
raising a 24' mast

Oops from the stern! Sorry.I also ahd someone capture the forestay and pin it.I weigh about 200 lbs and had no trouble being supported by the hatch cover.
 
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