Raising Mast with Trailer Winch

[SoundWave]

We just sold our Mac 25, and got a 1992 26S.

This is hopefully our long-term boat, and we want to protect it's integrity.

The guy that sold us the M25 showed us how he raised the mast by connecting the jib sheet to the tow strap and the trailer winch, and cranked it right up. We did this for 2 years on the M25. It works well, and easy with a bow roller.

There is a reason that mast raising systems (with gin-poles) exist. I will get one for this 26S, as I feel sure something's wrong with raising via the jib sheet.

So the question: What did I hurt by using the tow strap to lift sans gin pole?

 

[BudGates]

There's no problem using the trailer winch to raise the mast as long as you have a gin-pole or a-frame to create the proper pulling angle. For me the Macgregor mast is light enough to raise by hand. My Hobie-18 mast, on the other hand, was a bit more than I could handle alone.

 

[Brian M H23]

Agreed. The gin pole gets you the right angle from the start, but as long as you've someone on deck lifting the mast the first 25 degrees or so, the trailer winch on the jib sheet is perfectly fine

 

[timebandit]

Just remember that you cannot lower the mast while underway.

 

[SoundWave]

Thanks for easing my mind, folks.

I always had one person in the cockpit and one top of the cabin to lift it that first 25-30 degrees. (They also keep it from getting off to one side or the other.)

Timebandit, you're right. we just found out the need for this last weekend.
1st time at this ramp, there was more lake uexplored on the other side of a low bridge.

 

[Doc_holiday]

The first 25-30 is the hardest part, once your there it's an easy lift especially if you don't stop.

Im all for folks doing what is easiest and safest tho.

 

[Justin_NSA]

With the baby stays, I feel more comfortable doing it solo. You could probably make up a pair with a little extra line tied to the stanchion bases. The kit comes with a pair of metal brackets that attach to the deck.

 

[SoundWave]

Thanks, Justin_NSA, you're right on with the solo stepping.

We have about 4 years of indentured crew (teenagers) remaining before we will have to go it alone....

 

[timebandit]

It allways fun to go where most other sailboats cannot. Be sure to raise the sails even if there is no wind and you are on the motor. It drives the big boats crazzzzzy!:dance::dance::dance: