My Mac25 is going back into the water this weekend after a winter of mods, repairs, MAJOR cleaing, and upgrades. Last fall, I took the mast down after pulling the boat out of the water. Was planning on putting the mast back up on dry land, then wetting the boat. A friend suggested that it "looks" as though it would be easier to put the mast back up after the boat is in the water. That way, we could back the boat up to the dock and actually use the dock as a platform to assist the raising. Which way is easiest/safest? Any other tips for my first mast-raising party would be appreciated as well.
- Status
Just one opinion
Steve, We have a Hunter 18.5 and haul out each sail. I personally wouldn't attempt to step the mast on the water. It's not too difficult to do on the trailer, but putting the hull in the water where it can rock and tilt unexpectedly puts a whole 'nother level of complexity on the operation. I think you really want a good stable platform when stepping. I have been forced to step the mast on a 16' daysailer in the water and on the beach (jib halyard snapped under sail and had to be re-strung) and found it very difficult in only a moderate breeze. Just my humble opinion. I'm sure you'll get others...
JSP
Steve, We have a Hunter 18.5 and haul out each sail. I personally wouldn't attempt to step the mast on the water. It's not too difficult to do on the trailer, but putting the hull in the water where it can rock and tilt unexpectedly puts a whole 'nother level of complexity on the operation. I think you really want a good stable platform when stepping. I have been forced to step the mast on a 16' daysailer in the water and on the beach (jib halyard snapped under sail and had to be re-strung) and found it very difficult in only a moderate breeze. Just my humble opinion. I'm sure you'll get others...
JSPEither or
Just stepped my 25. Can do either way, if on land you'll be able to pick up all the pieces you drop. I found it easier to back the trailer into the water until the prop of the outboard reaches the water. That way if you fall, it's not far, and it's into the water. The trailer keeps the boat steady, and the water is not too deep to pick up those pieces.
Just stepped my 25. Can do either way, if on land you'll be able to pick up all the pieces you drop. I found it easier to back the trailer into the water until the prop of the outboard reaches the water. That way if you fall, it's not far, and it's into the water. The trailer keeps the boat steady, and the water is not too deep to pick up those pieces.
On land whenever possible
Whenever possible we step on dry land. A little understood scientific fact is that stainless steel is extremely magnetic... ...to water. On the rare occasions we've stepped on the water due to overhead wires at a ramp, I've lost countless clevis pins, cotter rings, and a very expensive mast crutch. The boat is also much more stable on hte trailer when connected to the tow vehicle. Step the mast before extending the tongue (if applicable) for increased stability.
Whenever possible we step on dry land. A little understood scientific fact is that stainless steel is extremely magnetic... ...to water. On the rare occasions we've stepped on the water due to overhead wires at a ramp, I've lost countless clevis pins, cotter rings, and a very expensive mast crutch. The boat is also much more stable on hte trailer when connected to the tow vehicle. Step the mast before extending the tongue (if applicable) for increased stability.
On land but be careful
When I was learning how to sail, I had a 17 ft. Luger, and I stepped the mast on land. But take care of one thing, not to get near any electric wires. I know that sounds simple, but once when I had just stepped the mast someone asked me to move my car (with attached trailer and boat, and a companion got in and moved a bit forward right into an electrical utility wire. ajp
When I was learning how to sail, I had a 17 ft. Luger, and I stepped the mast on land. But take care of one thing, not to get near any electric wires. I know that sounds simple, but once when I had just stepped the mast someone asked me to move my car (with attached trailer and boat, and a companion got in and moved a bit forward right into an electrical utility wire. ajp
On land or sea?
Steve, I have always steped my mast while the boat was in the water. I usualy just lauch the boat and pull it to our dock and step the mast there, never had any problems, as a matter of fact i step all three of my sailboats mast at the dock. Macgregor 26D, Chrysler Dagger and my Laser. But to each his own, I find it easier to do in the water, and if you do fall off the deck the water is a lot softer than a cement lauching ramp or the paved parking lot.
Steve, I have always steped my mast while the boat was in the water. I usualy just lauch the boat and pull it to our dock and step the mast there, never had any problems, as a matter of fact i step all three of my sailboats mast at the dock. Macgregor 26D, Chrysler Dagger and my Laser. But to each his own, I find it easier to do in the water, and if you do fall off the deck the water is a lot softer than a cement lauching ramp or the paved parking lot.
Oooops !!
Yes Oooops , thats the sound I usually hear from the first mate, which is then followed by an ominous plop, then oh sh**. So I try to carry lots of spare hardware and tools. The boat does rock but not too much if its tied to the dock, and it is a lot shorter drop if some one falls in the water. If the ramp is not too busy I always try to rig and derig the boat at the dock. Dropped parts are easier to find in the parking lot but I get tired climbing up and down the step ladder...........
Yes Oooops , thats the sound I usually hear from the first mate, which is then followed by an ominous plop, then oh sh**. So I try to carry lots of spare hardware and tools. The boat does rock but not too much if its tied to the dock, and it is a lot shorter drop if some one falls in the water. If the ramp is not too busy I always try to rig and derig the boat at the dock. Dropped parts are easier to find in the parking lot but I get tired climbing up and down the step ladder...........
- Status