Stepping the Mast

[jetdrvr]

Hello All,

I just bought my first sailboat, a 1979 7.3. I pulled it out last week and can't believe how tough it was to get the mast down. I got from the previous owner no boom crutch or advice and lowered the mast with a couple friends by hand. Can anyone give me any advice for next time? I know now that I need to make an A-frame of some sort and I need a boom crutch to step the mast in the spring safely. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Joe

 

[BobM]

Tons of posting re this: http://s2.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_vbsearch&task=1&Itemid=256

Personally, I made an A-frame out of 1 inch electrical conduit and tied it into the forward chain plates with long clevis pins. The scariest part is just shy of vertical. You can also use the boom, but I went with the A-frame as I wanted more lateral control.

 

[Calypso]

Wait a minute Bob. Have you stepped the mast on the 9.2A?! I paid to have mine stepped last year. Is it possible to step without killing yourself?

 

[doughatch]

My 7.3 steps from the front of the boat. I would think this is the case with all of them, but maybe not. I place the boat against a dock at an angle so that a person(s) can"catch the mast as it is lowered. I take the boom off first along with accessories like the vang, then the backstay is undone. I loosen the side shrouds, but do not remove them. I set up a block and tackle twixt the topping lift (you could also anchor off of the mainhalyard) and the backstay anchor post. Then the mast is simply lowered with the block and tackle and the foredeck person and dock person catch it and set it up on the top of the cabin with a "holder" in the back and front to keep it off the deck. Works great - about 10 minutes going down and 15 or so going up.

 

[BobM]

Sorry for the confusion

Wait a minute Bob. Have you stepped the mast on the 9.2A?! I paid to have mine stepped last year. Is it possible to step without killing yourself?

I stepped the mast on my old Lancer 25. It is possible to step the mast on a 30 footer, but not with 1 inch conduit. I think you would need some 2 x 4's for the A-frame, but would pay to have mine dropped just to avoid the stress!

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=104818 has a photo of someone's system.