Rigging a Hunter 26

[Ed Schaefer]

I am buying a 1995 Hunter 26. My question concerns raising the mast. I do not have an owner's manual, so please don't refer me to that. 1. There are two bridals to attach to the mast: I know where they go on the mast, what do they attach to? 2. The mast raising pole (gin pole) is connected to the mainsheet control and the jib halyard. What is the jib halyard attached to at the other end? I would appreciate any help or insight you can give me. Thanks in advance, Ed Schaefer

 

[John C Pollitt]

mast raising

The two shrouds are hooked in the mast and run to the lifeline stancions, there should be an "eye" welded on there. You set the ginpole in the mast, making sure it is seated in the groove, then attach the jib halyard to the top eye. Tie off the jib halyard so you have a bit of an upward angle to the ginpole, then attach the mainsheet to the bottom eye and the padeye in the anchor well.Now, check, and double check, that everything that needs to be attached to the mast (standing rigging, topping lift, any antenna's, windex, etc) are attached. Also double check that the ginpole is seated properly.Once you get near vertical, check the position of the side shrouds and make sure they don't bind. Finish raising, attach the forestay or furler and disconnect the ginpole and raising shrouds.Voila, mast raised ! I do mine myself, so it's fairly easy to do, particularly once you get past about 45 degrees. Hauling on the tail and the outside loop of the mainsheet at the same time will give you a bit more "pull". Now all you need to do is tune the rigging, which you'll find in the archives.Fair winds and welcome aboard,John

 

[Jonathan Costello]

Attach bitter end of jib halyard

to the cleat on the mast. Make sure your bridals atached to the mast and stanchions are taught but not too tight. As John stated make sure your bridals don't get in a bind as you are raising the mast. The beauty of using the main sheet is that you can lock it in to the clamcleat and take a break whenever you need to check on the bridals, etc. E-mail me off the forum (I'm in the owners directory) and if you woud like to give me your fax number I can fax you the mast raising and lowering instructions. Also, if you don't have the manual it would be worth a call to Hunter as there is a wealth of information about your boat in there.Jonathan Costellos/v Heeling Powers

 

[Robert Brown]

Have a Copy of the Owners Manual

Ed,I have my copy of the owners manual and would be happy to copy the part that pertains to this. I have had my H26 for severeal years and never have stepped the mast but need to now that my mast head light is out. Since you're close, shouldn't be a problem meeting up at the lake.Robert