Stepping Mast on a 23

[Russ]

I recently took a class on sailing where they strongly recommended using a winch to raise the mast. My wife and I successfully stepped our mast the first time in our driveway within 45 minutes (not including rigging the sails) but I'm curious about the winch. Is this a normal operation or even possible on the Hunter. Second question, if you step the mast after launching, how do you set up the standing rigging. I've been told you view from front and back to confirm perpendicular to the deck, but that view would be limited if you are in the water. Should I set it up and leave the rigging close to finals in the driveway so that after launching you simply attach the forestay and turn each turnbuckle a few even turns. As you can tell, I'm really new at this.

 

[Chuck]

Yes, we use Winches

Russ,First, look at the current posting of messages, ten or so down, you'll see an entry called "new sailor". That gentleman was asking for detailed procedures on stepping the H23. Also, the archives have numerous articles regarding stepping the mast.In short, most of us use one of the on board winches (either the jib sheet of mast). This provides somewhat more leverage. In addition, there are many different add-on devices such as a gin pole or tripod to stabilize the mast as well as provide additonal leverage.As for you questions on rig tuning (adjusting the turnbuckles), that is an entire subject all together (rig tuning). That too can be seen in the archives. I personally just loosen the back and fore stays and know roughly how many turns gets me to where I was. There is a tool caller a "Loo's Guage" that is worth getting once you're ready to do more serious tuning. I't about $50.00 and well worth the priceGood luck,ChuckS/V Windsongs H23

 

[mike]

use halyard and tape

I measure the sideways verticality (is this a word?) of my mast by fixing the main halyard at a point just over the deck (or stantion top or turnbuckle) and then take it to the other side of the boat and do the same. Adjust the turnbuckles until the shackle hits at the same point on both sides. Stepping plant is also a very useful tool for stepping the mast. This creates a bridge from the cabin roof to the transom to avoid climbing up onto the roof and potentially through it!

 

[Peter]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the H23

The H23 is the greatest little boat in the world...except when it comes to raising the mast and getting the boat on and off the trailer. Many sleepless nights have been spent developing solutions for these two vexing problems. The proof is in the archives, where there are a LOT of posts on these subjects. Be prepared to spend at least a couple of nights reading.I use a bipod (A-frame) and the mainsheet tackle to raise the mast singlehanded. With this setup I can get the mast up and rigged tight in about 15 min, even though the hinge at the mast base is broken. The mast is completely under control at all times and I can stop anywhere on the way up or down and let go of the mainsheet and mast with no worries. Check my earlier post for details. Sorry, I don't have photos yet.I'm also working on a system for getting the boat on and off the trailer with no help. If the weather holds I'll give it a try over the Christmas break. Stay tuned!PeterH23 "Raven"