Stepping an O'day 222

[Kirk]

Ahoy. I recently purchased an O'day 222 and am having the time of my life. I feel like a kid again. I have sailed the vast waters of Lake Kerr and the wandering lust has taken hold and I'd like to test my ability on some coastal seas, but am a bit intimidated with the thought of stepping the mast. Would someone let me know how difficult the process is and if there are tricks to making it easier. Your replies will be greatly appreciated.Thanks,Captain Kirk

 

[Rick]

Brute Force

Capt. Kirk....Any number of books will give you ideas on how to use your trailor winch to step your mast; unfortunately, two people are required to do it safely. As I generally single-hand, I've always stepped my O'22 by hooking on a block at the bow, running a line through it that attaches to the forstay and returns to the cockpit, man-handle the mast into place, and pull it up with the aforementioned line. It ain't easy, but if you have reasonable strength, it's doable (and quick). I just turned 58, so that should give you some idea. Fortunately, 'Solace' now resides peacefully tied up to a dock, but I still have to pull her every year or so to do engine maintenance and paint the bottom. Good luck.Rick/'Solace'/Apollo Beach

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Brute plus a bit of finesse

Kirk -I should think you could work out a way to do it single handed. Make sure that you support the mast laterally so that it can't swing or you're likely to destroy your mast step. Check the archive for a system that uses the mast as a gin pole and lets you use the main tackle for leverage.Justin - O'day Owners' Web