I'm thinking about purchasing an O'Day DaySailer but need to know if anyone has successfully put the mast up solo and how they did it. I would be transporting the boat to different lakes and would not have help most of the time. I need a practical way to step the mast by myself.
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I do it alone all the time
I solo or have novice crew most of the time so I have devised a simple three foot 'leash' that attaches between the stemhead and the jib halyard, extending it just enough so that I can raise the mast by myself. My mast is in a hinged tabernacle. Check the following site for the procedure and pictures. It starts at the 10th picture on page one, but you need to go to the first picture on page two to see how the aft end of the mast in held horizontally by a crutch, which I also use for trailering. Click on the picture to enlarge it. I am fifty, 200+ pounds, generally unfit, and have no problem lifting the mast in this way, with one hand. http://groups.msn.com/RogerConrad/shoebox.msnw
I solo or have novice crew most of the time so I have devised a simple three foot 'leash' that attaches between the stemhead and the jib halyard, extending it just enough so that I can raise the mast by myself. My mast is in a hinged tabernacle. Check the following site for the procedure and pictures. It starts at the 10th picture on page one, but you need to go to the first picture on page two to see how the aft end of the mast in held horizontally by a crutch, which I also use for trailering. Click on the picture to enlarge it. I am fifty, 200+ pounds, generally unfit, and have no problem lifting the mast in this way, with one hand. http://groups.msn.com/RogerConrad/shoebox.msnw
With a little practice.....
it gets easier. I have a DaySailer I, 1966, with a one piece mast, NOT one with a tabernacle hinge. I have to do a balancing act to get the mast up right, and into the hole on top of the cuddy, then once through the hole I have to find the mast step by feel. I have always done this solo and each time it seems to get a little easier. The biggest problem is on WINDY days. I start with the foot of the mast against the wheel of my trailer and walk the mast into an upright position. Then I am able to keep a grip on the mast as I step onto the boat and get to the top of the cuddy. I then get a good grip on the mast, right hand as far up the mast as possible, left hand lifting the mast onto the boat. Then I walk the mast (this is the tricky part on windy days), little hops at a time to the hole. Once you get the mast into the hole it is much easier to keep it balanced. Then it is a matter of feeling for th mast step. If you are having a lot of trouble finding it, you can let the mast foot slip to the very bottom of the boat, keep a hand on the mast to feel if it is leaning to far, and slowly kneel down and get a peek of where the mast is in relation to the mast step. Once you get your bearings on that point, then usually with in a couple of tries the mast can be slipped over the mast step. This is all not as hard as it sounds. That is the way I accomplish the stepping of the mast. I have been trying to figure out an easier way, but as of yet I haven't. If you or anyone else has a suggestion it would be greatly appreciated. Like Roger, I am an out-of-shape 57 year old, 195 lbs. The main excercise I get is a daily walk with the dog, and clicking a computer mouse in the evening while clicking the TV remote. ( good coordination eh ??) Unstepping the mast is much easier and faster, and I have only lost balance of the mast once. Once you get the mast lifted out of the cuddy hole, just lift the mast off the top of the cuddy, and just let it slide through your hands till the base of the mast hits the ground. I usually have a life vest or something for the mast to rest on so not to accidentally hit a rock or concrete that might damage the foot of the mast. As I said, with a little practice it becomes much easier than it sounds in my response. Fair Winds, Gary "Dancing Girls II"
it gets easier. I have a DaySailer I, 1966, with a one piece mast, NOT one with a tabernacle hinge. I have to do a balancing act to get the mast up right, and into the hole on top of the cuddy, then once through the hole I have to find the mast step by feel. I have always done this solo and each time it seems to get a little easier. The biggest problem is on WINDY days. I start with the foot of the mast against the wheel of my trailer and walk the mast into an upright position. Then I am able to keep a grip on the mast as I step onto the boat and get to the top of the cuddy. I then get a good grip on the mast, right hand as far up the mast as possible, left hand lifting the mast onto the boat. Then I walk the mast (this is the tricky part on windy days), little hops at a time to the hole. Once you get the mast into the hole it is much easier to keep it balanced. Then it is a matter of feeling for th mast step. If you are having a lot of trouble finding it, you can let the mast foot slip to the very bottom of the boat, keep a hand on the mast to feel if it is leaning to far, and slowly kneel down and get a peek of where the mast is in relation to the mast step. Once you get your bearings on that point, then usually with in a couple of tries the mast can be slipped over the mast step. This is all not as hard as it sounds. That is the way I accomplish the stepping of the mast. I have been trying to figure out an easier way, but as of yet I haven't. If you or anyone else has a suggestion it would be greatly appreciated. Like Roger, I am an out-of-shape 57 year old, 195 lbs. The main excercise I get is a daily walk with the dog, and clicking a computer mouse in the evening while clicking the TV remote. ( good coordination eh ??) Unstepping the mast is much easier and faster, and I have only lost balance of the mast once. Once you get the mast lifted out of the cuddy hole, just lift the mast off the top of the cuddy, and just let it slide through your hands till the base of the mast hits the ground. I usually have a life vest or something for the mast to rest on so not to accidentally hit a rock or concrete that might damage the foot of the mast. As I said, with a little practice it becomes much easier than it sounds in my response. Fair Winds, Gary "Dancing Girls II"
P.S. on my responce
As you can gather by my responce, I step my mast while my boat is still on the trailer, and I assume that you have a single piece mast. Also, I would strongly advise on practicing stepping the mast at home several times before going to the lake. This will build your confidence that it can be done and it is not that hard. Take care, and fair winds. Gary "Dancing girls II"
As you can gather by my responce, I step my mast while my boat is still on the trailer, and I assume that you have a single piece mast. Also, I would strongly advise on practicing stepping the mast at home several times before going to the lake. This will build your confidence that it can be done and it is not that hard. Take care, and fair winds. Gary "Dancing girls II"
Solo Mast Stepping
I have used the method Gary discribes below several times. It works well after some practice, but having one other person help is much easier. Getting the mast base through the cuddy roof is not a problem. I find the most difficult part is getting it on the step. I wouldn't let this issue stop you from purchasing this boat. I have had mine since september and been out several times and had a total blast. Enjoy
I have used the method Gary discribes below several times. It works well after some practice, but having one other person help is much easier. Getting the mast base through the cuddy roof is not a problem. I find the most difficult part is getting it on the step. I wouldn't let this issue stop you from purchasing this boat. I have had mine since september and been out several times and had a total blast. Enjoy
tabernacle conversion
have converted both javelin and daysailor to 2 pin tabernacles, prob the best single change you can do.
have converted both javelin and daysailor to 2 pin tabernacles, prob the best single change you can do.
Tabernacle
I have considered having the mast cut and a tabrnacle added, but have not done so as of yet. Do not know if I will or not. First, I am apprehensive about cutting the mast, adding the tabernacle and creating a weaker mast. Bruce, have you or anyone else you know of had problems de-masting at the tabernacle? That is my big fear. I agree that with the tabernacle it would greatly ease the mast stepping problem. And, like Portland, OR, states, it is not that hard with a little practice. Fair winds, Gary Dancing Girls II
I have considered having the mast cut and a tabrnacle added, but have not done so as of yet. Do not know if I will or not. First, I am apprehensive about cutting the mast, adding the tabernacle and creating a weaker mast. Bruce, have you or anyone else you know of had problems de-masting at the tabernacle? That is my big fear. I agree that with the tabernacle it would greatly ease the mast stepping problem. And, like Portland, OR, states, it is not that hard with a little practice. Fair winds, Gary Dancing Girls II
Later models had standard hinge
All the Day Sailers built by O'Day after 1981 have the mast hinge as standard equipment, O'Day actually made the lower part of the mast a permanant part of the boat (also eliminating the leakage around the mast partner (hole in deck). Many earlier Day Sailers have been converted, and D&R sells a kit to do this. My 1979 still has the original "keel-stepped" mast, I too have thought often about adding the tabernacle. It would make single-handed mast stepping and unstepping a lot easier. The cost is not great, maybe $50 or so ($120-150 if professionally installed), but I still like the idea of the one-piece mast. The hinged mast is still strong, since the deck will still support the mast in place, the hinge does not actually weaken the mast. The only problem would be if a stay broke. I launch my boat before stepping the mast, then bring her alongside a raised pier. I can then walk the mast up to vertical on the pier and lower it into the boat guiding it into the hole in the deck. I too sweat until it is seated onto the step, and when unstepping until it is out of the hole. I"ve never had a problem in 9 seasons, but my imagination can dream up what would happen if I lost control of the mast with it still through the deck! However, I've never had a problem, even the year that I hauled out on a day with 50+ mph gusts. I do get help with this operation, my Dad stays on the pier and lifts the mast down to me when stepping, and lifts the mast up to the pier when unstepping. I did step and unstep the mast once while on the trailer in our yard, it took two of us to get it stepped (first time doing it). I set the butt (base) of the mast in the forward end of the cockpit, walked it up to vertical, then lifted it up and into the partner (deck hole) and lowered it onto the step. Unstepping was basically the reverse. I also used this method on a beach a few times. I brought the stern of the boat up onto the beach, allowing me more room to walk the mast up.
All the Day Sailers built by O'Day after 1981 have the mast hinge as standard equipment, O'Day actually made the lower part of the mast a permanant part of the boat (also eliminating the leakage around the mast partner (hole in deck). Many earlier Day Sailers have been converted, and D&R sells a kit to do this. My 1979 still has the original "keel-stepped" mast, I too have thought often about adding the tabernacle. It would make single-handed mast stepping and unstepping a lot easier. The cost is not great, maybe $50 or so ($120-150 if professionally installed), but I still like the idea of the one-piece mast. The hinged mast is still strong, since the deck will still support the mast in place, the hinge does not actually weaken the mast. The only problem would be if a stay broke. I launch my boat before stepping the mast, then bring her alongside a raised pier. I can then walk the mast up to vertical on the pier and lower it into the boat guiding it into the hole in the deck. I too sweat until it is seated onto the step, and when unstepping until it is out of the hole. I"ve never had a problem in 9 seasons, but my imagination can dream up what would happen if I lost control of the mast with it still through the deck! However, I've never had a problem, even the year that I hauled out on a day with 50+ mph gusts. I do get help with this operation, my Dad stays on the pier and lifts the mast down to me when stepping, and lifts the mast up to the pier when unstepping. I did step and unstep the mast once while on the trailer in our yard, it took two of us to get it stepped (first time doing it). I set the butt (base) of the mast in the forward end of the cockpit, walked it up to vertical, then lifted it up and into the partner (deck hole) and lowered it onto the step. Unstepping was basically the reverse. I also used this method on a beach a few times. I brought the stern of the boat up onto the beach, allowing me more room to walk the mast up.
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