Mast Raising System for O'Day 25
Rick, I sail an O'Day 240 and have adapted the mast raising system described in the link. To make this system work, among other things, I had to add a 2nd gooseneck -- the base of which is about 4 in. above the base of the mast. To "lever" the mast up, with the boom as a gin pole, the boom is pinned in this new gooseneck. I make a bridle out of 1/4 in. line from tip of boom to base of the port and starboard stanchions that are athwart the mast base. I use my boom vang, attached between the tip of the boom and chain plate for the backstay, as a 4-part purchase to raise the mast. (80 ft. of 3/8 in. line in the vang.) The line is long enough to reach a jib-sheet winch, but so far, I just pull it up with one hand and haven't needed the winch. Without the system, it used to be a three-man job to raise the mast; now I can do it alone. I also like the fact that the system is totally contained on the boat, i.e. it doesn't depend on any part of the trailer, or the need to carry auxiliary poles or props. Therefore, if need be, e.g. encountering a low bridge or an inoperative drawbridge, the mast can be lowered at sea. If you try this system, be sure to first test it by raising the mast, rather than lowering it!
