Solo mast stepping/unstepping

[jmczzz]

I have done this several times on a 22, a 23, and a 25. footer. but as they say due to the fog of time i do not remember how to rig the "babystays " or lines to steady the mast side sway. I'm sure it has been discussed here many times. could anyone give me the link to such a discussion for a 34+ foot mast on an O'Day 26?
Thanks, Jim

 

[rgranger]

I typed in “O’day 26 owners manual” into that Google thing Up popped up an SBO link that has the rigging manual

 

[jmczzz]

I do find an active link to a 26's manual. but thanks anyway. jimmy

 

[Timm R Oday25]

Are you referring to the temporary baby stays that keep the gin pole centered ?

 

[Timm R Oday25]

The first two pictures are of the gin pole I tried last fall . It's the third variation . The second version had a clamp that tightened around the base of the mast . Simple and almost impossible for the gin pole to seperate from the mast base . The rope ratchets in the last photo attach to the triangular plates on the upper side stays . The snap shckles make it very unlikely to come off during the stepping process . One might also attach them to the stanchion base . They need to be adjustable as the pivot point on the bottom of the mast is differant unless you have the triangular plates .
I am currently using a double block on the end of the gin pole and the other on the bow stem fitting.This line leads back to the mast mounted winch
With this set up ,I can easily singlehandlingly step the mast with the boat either on the trailer or even on the water . I can also stop at any step of the process safely to catch an errant stay . I hope this helps

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I made a gin pole out of a 2x4, tie down D rings and a ratchet strap. It was quite easy and can be built in less than an hour
Take a round object such as a small coffee can that's roughly the width of the mast. Trace out roughly a half circle at the end of the 2x4. Cut it out with a miter/jig saw. It doesnt have to be very precise. Next, use some lag bolts to fasten the tie down about 5" away from the end of the 2x4 that you just cut. Attach the ratchet strap to get an idea of how far away from the end the other tie down needs to be and then secure it with lag bolts. As you can imagine the round end of the 2x4 goes up against the mast and the strap holds it in place. I can grab pics of it if anyone is interested