I recently purchased a used 1999 Hunter 170 and it did not come with the mast erector pole. I am having trouble raising the mast and need to know if this is a neccessity or can the mast be easily raised without it? Can the mast be raised without using the trailer winch or is that also neccessary?
- Status
Use the winch
The brochure is a little misleading. The erector pole is an option. I thought about getting one, but now have decided it is unnecessary. The mast is light enough for one adult to lift and then I have let my 9 year old daughter hold it in place while I secure it to the winch. Typically my wife and I are rigging the boat so whoever happens to be onboard when we are at that step in the process lifts the mast and holds it in place while the other works the winch. We have connected the forestay to the furling drum without the winch, but not without a lot of tugging. If you have the winch, use it. I have also tried with an extension line attached to the topping lift with enough length for me to stand away from the bow and put enough tension to allow my wife to connect the forestay.
The brochure is a little misleading. The erector pole is an option. I thought about getting one, but now have decided it is unnecessary. The mast is light enough for one adult to lift and then I have let my 9 year old daughter hold it in place while I secure it to the winch. Typically my wife and I are rigging the boat so whoever happens to be onboard when we are at that step in the process lifts the mast and holds it in place while the other works the winch. We have connected the forestay to the furling drum without the winch, but not without a lot of tugging. If you have the winch, use it. I have also tried with an extension line attached to the topping lift with enough length for me to stand away from the bow and put enough tension to allow my wife to connect the forestay.
Use Your Body Weight
I put a stirup by making a loop at end of toppin lift and stick my foot in and standup like mounting a horse. The mast bends forward sufficiently to secure the forestay easily. I also use the topping lift to secure the mast to the trailer while I walk off the rear of the boat and have a sip of coffee before pining the forestay. Easy does it. I've been doing this since 1999. The winch is for wimps and of course the "Ladies". I did use the winch at first but I'm much too lazy for so much work.
I put a stirup by making a loop at end of toppin lift and stick my foot in and standup like mounting a horse. The mast bends forward sufficiently to secure the forestay easily. I also use the topping lift to secure the mast to the trailer while I walk off the rear of the boat and have a sip of coffee before pining the forestay. Easy does it. I've been doing this since 1999. The winch is for wimps and of course the "Ladies". I did use the winch at first but I'm much too lazy for so much work.
Erector pole makes it easy
I singlehand rig and sail my 170 all the time and have little trouble even being 5' 6" and a whopping 130lbs wet. I like the idea of the erector pole but, being cautious, I raise the mast, put the pole in place, and quickly move to the front of the boat and hang onto the forestay until I have it secured. Ideally, someone can hold the mast and even put some forward pressure on it to assist your pulling the forestay till pinned. I don't like to depend on the pole to hold the mast for long JUST IN CASE something were to go wrong, you don't bend a mast, or knock yourself or any not too saavy passersby on the head. You can easily fashion a pole from wood that would probably work as good or better than the one from Hunter. I have used the winch once and thought it a waste of time.
I singlehand rig and sail my 170 all the time and have little trouble even being 5' 6" and a whopping 130lbs wet. I like the idea of the erector pole but, being cautious, I raise the mast, put the pole in place, and quickly move to the front of the boat and hang onto the forestay until I have it secured. Ideally, someone can hold the mast and even put some forward pressure on it to assist your pulling the forestay till pinned. I don't like to depend on the pole to hold the mast for long JUST IN CASE something were to go wrong, you don't bend a mast, or knock yourself or any not too saavy passersby on the head. You can easily fashion a pole from wood that would probably work as good or better than the one from Hunter. I have used the winch once and thought it a waste of time.
- Status