hi tom,
i just dropped my mast last week using a gin pole. it works great. mine is a
piece of 28' fiberglass under ground conduit that doubles as a ridge pole for
the winter cover.i also stepped the mast with it this spring.i guess that the
mast weighs around 100 lbs.i set up the pole forward of the mast step, using
some small line as guys tied to the grab rails and the bow cleat.another line
tied the foot between the grab rails. a block and tackle was tied on about 3'
above the spreaders. using a sling slid up under the spreaders you can raise
the mast very easily. before raising i attatch the backstay and the rear lower
shrouds so as soon as the mase is vertical it has stability. you can then cleat
off a halyard to the bow cleat until you get the forestay attatched.it's an
easy 2 person job. one person on the lifting line and one guiding the foot of
the mast. i also place a block of wood near the mast step to rest the mast
while making electrical connections.
good luck
dick vega 2941[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
i just dropped my mast last week using a gin pole. it works great. mine is a
piece of 28' fiberglass under ground conduit that doubles as a ridge pole for
the winter cover.i also stepped the mast with it this spring.i guess that the
mast weighs around 100 lbs.i set up the pole forward of the mast step, using
some small line as guys tied to the grab rails and the bow cleat.another line
tied the foot between the grab rails. a block and tackle was tied on about 3'
above the spreaders. using a sling slid up under the spreaders you can raise
the mast very easily. before raising i attatch the backstay and the rear lower
shrouds so as soon as the mase is vertical it has stability. you can then cleat
off a halyard to the bow cleat until you get the forestay attatched.it's an
easy 2 person job. one person on the lifting line and one guiding the foot of
the mast. i also place a block of wood near the mast step to rest the mast
while making electrical connections.
good luck
dick vega 2941[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]