- Status
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
solo raising
If you have the right set up, it can be done. The right set up consists of a mast that hinges in a tabernacle and rests in a mast crutch aft. Also you will need to have the jib halyard long enough to have the snap shackle attached to the stemhead, and have the tail go back to where you will be standing and erecting the mast. Have all your shrouds and forestay attached and free of any tangles. Lift the mast from the crutch while having your hand on the jib halyard and keeping as much slack out of the line as you can. Lift the mast up onto your shoulder and walk forward toward the tabernacle, lifting the mast higher as you go. Keep the slack out of the line as this will keep the mast braced. Finally lift it into an erect position, and secure the jib halyard so that the mast remains erect. Walk forward to the stemhead and attach the forestay. Make sure you keep the proper hole in the stemhead free for the forestay. After you have done it once or twice, you will wonder why you thought it was a two person job. If your jib halyard is not long enough, then attach a short intermediate leash so between the shackle and the stemhead.
If you have the right set up, it can be done. The right set up consists of a mast that hinges in a tabernacle and rests in a mast crutch aft. Also you will need to have the jib halyard long enough to have the snap shackle attached to the stemhead, and have the tail go back to where you will be standing and erecting the mast. Have all your shrouds and forestay attached and free of any tangles. Lift the mast from the crutch while having your hand on the jib halyard and keeping as much slack out of the line as you can. Lift the mast up onto your shoulder and walk forward toward the tabernacle, lifting the mast higher as you go. Keep the slack out of the line as this will keep the mast braced. Finally lift it into an erect position, and secure the jib halyard so that the mast remains erect. Walk forward to the stemhead and attach the forestay. Make sure you keep the proper hole in the stemhead free for the forestay. After you have done it once or twice, you will wonder why you thought it was a two person job. If your jib halyard is not long enough, then attach a short intermediate leash so between the shackle and the stemhead.
Chief, Another option for a short Jib Halyard, is to purchase a 60 foot 3/8 inch 3 strand rope, put an eye splice on one end, or tie a bowline, and run the rope through a single sheave on the bow plate. Snap your Jib halyard shackle into the eye splice, and run the halyard to the top, and cleat it off good at the bottom of the mast. As soon as the mast gets at the right pulling angle, you'll be able to pull it up with this line. When the mast is all the way up; bring the line around the mast, above the goose neck fitting,(so it doesn't slide down) and pull the slack out of the line and attach it to your starboard bow cleat. The line will hold the mast, and free you up to get your fore stay connected, and your front Tabernacle pin in place. If you ever get a furler, then you might think about making a gin pole for mast raising/lowering. If you already have a furler, have someone hold and guide the furler as you raise or lower the mast. Regardless of how you do it, remember to keep the wind directly coming from the stern of the boat. Joe
- Status