There are few bridges around our area to allow us to cut across small islands to open water(atlantic ocean). Is possibel to lower the mast when approching the bridge? Does anyone owner have invented an easy mast raising method which can be deploy while the boat is on the way? When I raised my small hobiecat 16 mast, it took 3 adults and it was not fun. Please share your experience. We are looking to buy a hunter 260 this month and joint the hunter sailboat family. Jay
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Raising the H260 mast
I've done it but it requires preparation and a good checklist. You do it exactly the same as on the trailer. This is not a casual exercise but if you practice it's dooable. Make sure you are headed into the wind (anchoring in shallow water would be a good idea) Just make sure you have plenty of extra pins and stuff that will drop into the water. Keep your snorkle gear close by.
I've done it but it requires preparation and a good checklist. You do it exactly the same as on the trailer. This is not a casual exercise but if you practice it's dooable. Make sure you are headed into the wind (anchoring in shallow water would be a good idea) Just make sure you have plenty of extra pins and stuff that will drop into the water. Keep your snorkle gear close by.
Always on water
Yes, I've never raised or lowered the mast on land/trailer - always in water. And once I forgot to attach the extra sidestays - and that's very much not recommendable, when the boat can move. Otherwise no problem - a normal situation to me. And as said before, be prepared - my friend always says that you should use a minute of silence, to go through all the parts before you actually start the process. When the mast is half way up o down, it's difficult to make any changes. Toomas / Celeste
Yes, I've never raised or lowered the mast on land/trailer - always in water. And once I forgot to attach the extra sidestays - and that's very much not recommendable, when the boat can move. Otherwise no problem - a normal situation to me. And as said before, be prepared - my friend always says that you should use a minute of silence, to go through all the parts before you actually start the process. When the mast is half way up o down, it's difficult to make any changes. Toomas / Celeste
Only difference...
It takes a lot of room behind you to raise the mast. Sometimes difficult on a dock. Otherwise, no problem.
It takes a lot of room behind you to raise the mast. Sometimes difficult on a dock. Otherwise, no problem.
Mast raise
I have a Coronado 23, and because of a bridge, I have to raise/lower the mast every time I go into the Gulf of Mexico. I added a strut at the mast base projecting forward 6 feet. A 4 part tackle is attached between the end of the strut and the bow, with the line led back to the cockpit, thru another block which gives an additional 2 to 1 advantage. I am able to raise and lower the mast underway by myself easily.
I have a Coronado 23, and because of a bridge, I have to raise/lower the mast every time I go into the Gulf of Mexico. I added a strut at the mast base projecting forward 6 feet. A 4 part tackle is attached between the end of the strut and the bow, with the line led back to the cockpit, thru another block which gives an additional 2 to 1 advantage. I am able to raise and lower the mast underway by myself easily.
mast raise
Can you post pictures on mast setup? Sounds very good. I might add that later on to H260.
Can you post pictures on mast setup? Sounds very good. I might add that later on to H260.
Raising mast in water...
Raising the mast after launching the boat is an interesting concept. Normally I raise my mast while still on the trailer. I am planning a return trip to Grand Teton National Park and the setup simply doesn't allow stepping the mast in the parking lot and driving up to the ramp. The approach to the ramp has tight turns and there are massive trees with huge branches all around. All is well if you arrive during the weekdays. There's plenty of space on the ramp for two (maybe three) trailers. During the weekend I actually feel bad for tying up the ramp for all that time. Please enlighten me. Are there any pitfalls while riggin the boat in the water? For instance, I normally connect the forestay from the steps on the trailer. How the heck do you get to it while already in the water?
Raising the mast after launching the boat is an interesting concept. Normally I raise my mast while still on the trailer. I am planning a return trip to Grand Teton National Park and the setup simply doesn't allow stepping the mast in the parking lot and driving up to the ramp. The approach to the ramp has tight turns and there are massive trees with huge branches all around. All is well if you arrive during the weekdays. There's plenty of space on the ramp for two (maybe three) trailers. During the weekend I actually feel bad for tying up the ramp for all that time. Please enlighten me. Are there any pitfalls while riggin the boat in the water? For instance, I normally connect the forestay from the steps on the trailer. How the heck do you get to it while already in the water?
Which one?
I've seen them, but can't figure which one to order. I figure it would have to be the heaveir duty to stand the tension. I had to put a 6.5" (pin center to pin center) spacer in and shorten my forestay to raise the turnbuckle when I added a CDI furler. Have you got any idea which one would be right for the job? Do you have to let out any on the side stays?
I've seen them, but can't figure which one to order. I figure it would have to be the heaveir duty to stand the tension. I had to put a 6.5" (pin center to pin center) spacer in and shorten my forestay to raise the turnbuckle when I added a CDI furler. Have you got any idea which one would be right for the job? Do you have to let out any on the side stays?
Had a CDI furler already
I checked the top of the furler for enough room to trim the necessary length from the plastic furling extrusion. Removed the forestay and had it shortened and a new lower threaded swage fitting pressed on. I did not adjust the side stays/mast rake(except to fine tune the rigging afterward). Mine was nearly perfect on the first try but each fit is unique I'm sure. There is no model number on my closure but all the pins/hardware are thicker than the hardware in the furling drum so it's tougher than the hardware in the furler. The picture seems to show mine as the 14-206 but I've trimmed the top 3 adjustment holes off. I also use a detent set pin when it's folded closed. Have a good season. Michael
I checked the top of the furler for enough room to trim the necessary length from the plastic furling extrusion. Removed the forestay and had it shortened and a new lower threaded swage fitting pressed on. I did not adjust the side stays/mast rake(except to fine tune the rigging afterward). Mine was nearly perfect on the first try but each fit is unique I'm sure. There is no model number on my closure but all the pins/hardware are thicker than the hardware in the furling drum so it's tougher than the hardware in the furler. The picture seems to show mine as the 14-206 but I've trimmed the top 3 adjustment holes off. I also use a detent set pin when it's folded closed. Have a good season. Michael
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