raising the mast

[Shawn]

I have been trailering my 1980 O'day 23 around the great lakes and was wondering if anyone had a system to raise or lower the mast, that they have found helpful. (Most of the time it is just my wife and I) Thanks for your suggestions in advance!

 

[Chris]

O'day recommended system

Shawn, My O23 (1982) came with a system which I believe was factory recommended. If yours is set up like mine it has two pins holding the base of the mast in the tabernacle.To raise the mast lay it on the deck with the top of the mast forward, over the bow, and the forward pin inserted. The outer shrouds and the forestay should be loosely attached. The boom is then set in place with the following lines attached - (1)The topping lift is tied on. (2)Just above the outer shroud turnbuckles is a triangular plate. Run a line from each plate to the aft end of the boom. I have lines which are pre-measured to the correct length to hold the boom square to the mast. (3)The mainsheet is run from the aft end of the boom to its fitting on the transom.When these lines attached the gooseneck can be slid into place and the lines tightened so that the boom is vertical.With a little help from someone on the bow lifting the mast you simply pull on the mainsheet. The boom works as a ginpole and the mast goes up slick as you like. Once up you slip the other pin into the base of the mast, attach the backstay and inner shrouds and tighten everything up.With this system you can raise and lower the mast solo. There is very little force on the mainsheet.If this description confuses you (it makes sense in my head but may not translate as well as I think) let me know and I'll draw a picture or invite you over to Brookville Lake to help me lower the mast for winter (is that a 4-letter word?).Good luck.

 

[Jack Spencer]

Mast Raising

In response to Chris in Brookville Lake. You are very lucky to have the factory system. I have seen info and pictures on the 25 web site, but I can't make out how the boom is attached to the boom at the base. There is some reference to two attachments that came with the factory set-up. I am listed under the 23 owner's section with my e-mail address.

 

[Eino niemi]

I have a boom Crutch with a bow roller attatchedto the aft rail. On the bow rail I have a platethat the mast base fits on and gets bolted on.My mast has a turning block mounted about half way up. Throgh this block is a line that reachesfrom the cleat on the mast to the bow with the mast installed. I have a aframe that is about 7ft high with 2 eye bolts one facing to the front and one facing the rear. the a frame legs open up so that each one on starboard and one on port reach the base of the life line stantions just forward of the mast base. these aframe legs then get tied to the base of the life line stantions. This a frame needs swing from upright to laying down forward,( the feet of the aframe need to be padded ).There needs to be a turning block on the bow of the boat where the forstay attatches to the boat, Then a line needs to be ran from the sheet winch through the block on the bow to the front facing eye bolt. The jib haylard attatched to the rear facing eye bolt the aframe is standing the base of the mast is sitting on the deck plate with the aft mountig pin installed securing the mast to the deck plate and the top of the mast hanging over the rear of the boat resting on the aft boom crutch or rail. With the sheet winch the mast can be winched up being very careful. The mast goes up very easly. The side stays need to be installed they help keep the mast centered. to take down the mast just reverse the process, the aframe needs to be laying forward so that when the mast is down the aframe is standing up. I have lowered and raised the mast with my girl friend several times, to lower the mast she needs to push it to get it started while I feed the line with the winch. To raise the mast she needs to keep the roller furling from kinking or bending. my e-mail Einorich@hotmail.com