Stepping The Mast On My 1987 28.5

[Tom]

I have to replace the light bulb at the top of the mast and also repair a bad connection to my antenna. Has any one had the experience of removing the mast safely?I see 4 large screws at the bottom of the mast but think there must be more than that holding it in place.

 

[Stephen Prusinski]

Use a bosun's chair

Use a bosun's chair to replace your light and repair your antenna. Your only other alternative it to have the boatyard remove your mast and that's a lot of $$$.

 

[Jeff D.]

Screws

I have only taken mine down once and do not recall any screws which need to be removed. The mast sits over the male mast step, about 2-3 in. high supported by the shrouds. Don't have access to my boat for awhile so I wish I could help you more. Check around for confirmation.Unstepping the mast requires some expertise and at a minimum a gin pole or crane. By the way, once the mast is down take the opportunity to tune the rig while it is on the ground. Check with Hunter for the proper procedure for unstepping the mast. Instructions for tuning the mast can be found on this site.

 

[Steve Dion]

Not safe

Tom:This is not a very safe procedure to do yourself. It needs to be done at a yard. I believe that we have had a few masts dropped (on smaller vessels) during this procedure and the price to replace them was quite costly.To do the items you are talking about, you can either get a bosuns chair or climbing harness (my preference). The climbing harness allow you go get higher on the mast. You should tie your device (chair/harness) onto the halyard (not clip on) and then have a second halyard as a safety line.

 

[Terry]

Hi Tom, I would take Steve's advice for the ...

repairs that you need done. I use the main halyard to hoist me up with the topping lift as backup.Terry