Stepping Mast - Taping Turnbuckles

[Greg W]

I am stepping my mast on Friday. I need to pull the cotter rings and tape the turnbuckles ahead of time. Do I tape below or above the turnbuckle for marking and does electrical tape work OK? It is my understanding all the shrouds will have to be loosened. I have read on this board to just loosed one side, but for now I will mark all shrouds with tape to avoid hiring a rigger.Thanks,Greg W.SlipAway

 

[jk kudera]

I used a

black "magic marker" type permanant marker, another way is to use small plastic wire ties to mark the ends.

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi Greg, I used electrical tape on the...

maximum tightened or outside of the turnbuckle stud.Terry

 

[Deadline]

Whatever you do...

Don't step the mast alone. Even if you have to snare a passerby for two minutes, get him to pin the forestay once you've got it up. Otherwise you run the risk of losing everything because the center of gravity has shifted beyond your control. Trust me, get a helper.