Stepping the Mast

[Bill]

I need help on how to step the mast on a 22. My son and I just bought this boat, but have no experience in stepping the mast. We have tried it once and bent the mast plate. Now we need help. Do we put in the mast bolt first? If so, which hole does it go into?Help!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joseph Voss]

Some Help

Bill, when I step my mast I start with the mast laying down with the top to the aft.Attach all Shrouds except the forestay and the two front lower shrouds. Now put the bottom set of holes (Mine are just notchs) in the mast step and put in the bolt. Lift from the aft while someone pulls(Mostly Balances) with the 3 forward shrouds from the bow(Gloves needed). Get the mast as high as you can from the cockpit and walk your way up on to the cabin roof. then with the mast on your shoulder walk straight forward until the forestay can be connected then the other shrouds. Watch all the shrouds on the lifelines while lifting. You can make or buy a Mast step do-hickey that sits on your gudgeons and Supports the mast at the level which you can start from the cabin roof. Also, I have used a block attached to the forestay chainplate and attached the other side to the forestay itself to aid in pulling the the mast up, when I was solo once (I Do Not recommend the SOLO part at all!).

 

[Ryan]

Try some bungees

I tried the method today that is mentioned on www.trailersailor.com using a bunch of bungee cords from home depot and a rear mast support that I made from a 1x3. It works pretty good and I can raise and lower the mast by myself easily. I just ran the trailer webbing through the bow pulpit. I tried a block on a piece of wood as it shows but it broke before getting enough tension in the bungees. I hope this helps. I to just got my boat this spring and have been searching for a good way to accomplish this task.Ryan

 

[Val]

here is (yet) another way to step the mast

hi. check out the site link. it's another variation of the trailersailor rendition.i get my boat this week-end and i'll probably use the capri 18 method (if i can find a kiln-dried 2x4!)good luck.