Is it possible to raise the mast on a 1974 Hunter 25 with 2 people? I hate to pay the marina to raise the mast. Aproximatly how heavy is the mast? I have been looking at a 1974 Hunter 25 for a while. The guy wants 1500 and I could probably get it for 1200. I love how much storage there is and I love the price even more (I'm only 14 so money is a big issue.) Thanks Chris
Raising a mast
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Hi Chris
Several different rigs have been developed by people in this forum that will allow you to raise the mast on your boat by yourself or with some help. They're all inexpensive and can be built using hand tools and readily available materials. Check the Photo Forum under "H23 mast raising rig" for more details. On a related issue, the price for that H25 sounds very good. I'm not trying to discourage you but I'd suggest asking someone experienced to check the boat out with you. I know the boat won't be in mint condition, but there are certain basic things that need to be serviceable. Otherwise you'll end up spending time and more money just to get the boat operable. Check the condition of all the sails, running rigging (all lines, sheaves, pins), standing rigging (wires, end fittings, turnbuckles, chainplates and bulkheads), through-hulls (including hoses and clamps), transom (leaks and possible rot in wood core), tiller and rudder. The boat should have a proper anchor and chain, and enough line for the water depth in your area. Check the condition of the engine if there is one. Check the condition of the safety equipment (PFD's, signaling devices, fire extinguisher, etc.). Be prepared to replace some of it. I may have forgotten a thing or two, but that's about the absolute minimum you need to operate your boat safely and confidently. A big part of what will make it "your" boat is the time and effort you spend getting it in shape. The trick is to find the things that need work/money/time before you buy because a bad surprise after the purchase can be very discouraging. I hope you don't have any bad surprises. Good luck! Peter H23 "Raven"
Several different rigs have been developed by people in this forum that will allow you to raise the mast on your boat by yourself or with some help. They're all inexpensive and can be built using hand tools and readily available materials. Check the Photo Forum under "H23 mast raising rig" for more details. On a related issue, the price for that H25 sounds very good. I'm not trying to discourage you but I'd suggest asking someone experienced to check the boat out with you. I know the boat won't be in mint condition, but there are certain basic things that need to be serviceable. Otherwise you'll end up spending time and more money just to get the boat operable. Check the condition of all the sails, running rigging (all lines, sheaves, pins), standing rigging (wires, end fittings, turnbuckles, chainplates and bulkheads), through-hulls (including hoses and clamps), transom (leaks and possible rot in wood core), tiller and rudder. The boat should have a proper anchor and chain, and enough line for the water depth in your area. Check the condition of the engine if there is one. Check the condition of the safety equipment (PFD's, signaling devices, fire extinguisher, etc.). Be prepared to replace some of it. I may have forgotten a thing or two, but that's about the absolute minimum you need to operate your boat safely and confidently. A big part of what will make it "your" boat is the time and effort you spend getting it in shape. The trick is to find the things that need work/money/time before you buy because a bad surprise after the purchase can be very discouraging. I hope you don't have any bad surprises. Good luck! Peter H23 "Raven"
Chris88
I'd ask around to see if you can get a "survey checklist" from one of the other sailors in your area. This would be a good start for taking a look at this boat. If you can't find one, post your email address and I'll forward one I have. For me it was also helpful to just know what equipment should come with the boat. Good luck.
I'd ask around to see if you can get a "survey checklist" from one of the other sailors in your area. This would be a good start for taking a look at this boat. If you can't find one, post your email address and I'll forward one I have. For me it was also helpful to just know what equipment should come with the boat. Good luck.
You bet
It's a little like the statue of Iwo Jima. One hint is to back up to a hill. Then walk the top of the mast uphill. That will help the raising process. Be sure the guy is ready to pin the forestay. The rest is details, tightening and tweaking.
It's a little like the statue of Iwo Jima. One hint is to back up to a hill. Then walk the top of the mast uphill. That will help the raising process. Be sure the guy is ready to pin the forestay. The rest is details, tightening and tweaking.
Chris,
I think it's awsome that a person is considering buying a boat this size, let alone a boat at all, at fourteen. Follow everyone's advice on this fourm, and you will be good. You will figure out how to get the mast up, I'm sure! Good luck with your purchase, and , or search, keep us posted.
I think it's awsome that a person is considering buying a boat this size, let alone a boat at all, at fourteen. Follow everyone's advice on this fourm, and you will be good. You will figure out how to get the mast up, I'm sure! Good luck with your purchase, and , or search, keep us posted.
Raising the Mast
Chris, Use those beatiful 10 - 15 knot south wind days on barnegat bay to assist you. With the wind at your back, it will help lift the mast. I recently lowered my mast. I found it very helpful to have a third person in the cockpit as well. Good Luck!
Chris, Use those beatiful 10 - 15 knot south wind days on barnegat bay to assist you. With the wind at your back, it will help lift the mast. I recently lowered my mast. I found it very helpful to have a third person in the cockpit as well. Good Luck!
Hopefully this weekend I will go and buy a boat. There are 2 boats I am looking at. Theres the Hunter which is what I would like to get and a smaller 17 foot that I really dont want if I can buy the hunter for the same price. Where about on Barnegat Bay are you Garret? I am in Forked River. I hope I can figure out how to get that mast up to save some money. The reason I got intrested in sailing was to save money for gas. Thanks Chris
Raising the Mast
I keep my Hunter over by Kettle Creek. Altough the Upper Bay seems to get more shallow every year, the shoal draft of only 2'11" keeps me out of trouble. See you out there!
I keep my Hunter over by Kettle Creek. Altough the Upper Bay seems to get more shallow every year, the shoal draft of only 2'11" keeps me out of trouble. See you out there!
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