Hello everyone. I am planning to remove the mast on my S2 9.2 C , in order to repair a rotten support of the compression post. What do I have to pay attention to when I do that? The mast support has four bolts the go from the top to the inside through the compression post. Do I need to pry the bottom of the mast in order to detach it or the crane will simply lift it once the bolts are loose and the shrouds and stays removed. Thanks for any advise
Removing the mast
- Thread starter Avi
- Start date
Assuming your mast is not keel-stepped, the mast should lift out of the step without removing the step from the deck. Make sure there are no screws or bolts going horizontally through the step and the mast. I would assume there should be an internal flange on the step sticking up a inch or two inside the mast.
Disconnect the running rigging, all the wiring. You can remove the lower shrouds in preparation before hooking up the crane. I use a long strap to get the hook above the top of the mast. The strap has a loop on each end, the bottom end goes around the mast then the other end passes through the loop to make a "slip knot". I like to attach a retrieval line to the loop which I tie off to a winch or cleat on the mast which helps take some of the load. I do NOT put the strap under the lower shrouds, put the lower shrouds inside the loop and let the load be taken up by the spreaders or the retrieval line. I've seen straps get wedged under the lower shroud tangs and bent tangs.
On my old boat I just used a rope (jib sheet), not a strap. The rope was tied around the mast in a bowline and the long end was fastened to a cleat on the mast.
I have a cross bolt on my boat, goes through a cast fitting at the partners and through the mast (keel stepped mast). Some boats have a retainer like this, some don't. Just double check for running rigging and electrical wires before lifting.
On my old boat I just used a rope (jib sheet), not a strap. The rope was tied around the mast in a bowline and the long end was fastened to a cleat on the mast.
I have a cross bolt on my boat, goes through a cast fitting at the partners and through the mast (keel stepped mast). Some boats have a retainer like this, some don't. Just double check for running rigging and electrical wires before lifting.
Disconnect any wires going up the mast.
Disconnect all the standing rigging except for the uppers, backstay, and forestay. Some people mess with removing the clevis pins, I find it easier to simply unscrew the turnbuckles.
Getting the pick point correct is important. Pick the mast from the balance point.
The crane operator should be experienced at picking things up and should be helpful.
Disconnect all the standing rigging except for the uppers, backstay, and forestay. Some people mess with removing the clevis pins, I find it easier to simply unscrew the turnbuckles.
Getting the pick point correct is important. Pick the mast from the balance point.
The crane operator should be experienced at picking things up and should be helpful.
Yes I am scheduled to haul it up next week and have the boat yard crane remove the mast. Thanks very much for all the replies
If you have the yard crew removing the mast, just stay out of the way. You don't need to be there or do anything. You don't want to be blamed if anything goes sideways.