Stepping the Mast

[Matt Borders]

I am wondering if anyone has an easy solution for stepping the mast of the Hunter 22. I just bought a 1982 Hunter 22. It came with a trailer and I plan to dry sail it. I would like to be able to step the mast by myself. My wife is really small (5'6" and 115 lbs) and I don't think that she will be able to help that much.

 

[Chuck]

She can help

Attach a half inch line (through a pulley mounted at the bow) to the fore stay. You walk the mast back slowly (keep the shrouds and backstay attached)onto the crutch. (no more than 11 feet to the ground from the highest point of the mast when traveling) Her job is to take all the strain (use a winch if need be) as you walk it back. The pulley will take the strain, she just needs to have a good hold of it and watch her footing. MAKE SURE you drop the mast to aft only and remove only the front pin on the mast plate. Unless your a monster or something it will be a lot easier once it's down, if you both pick up an end and walk the mast into the reciever on the pulpit (pad well and double strap to stop fore and aft movement while on the road) Good luck. They're a great boat.

 

[Chuck]

DOH! sorry

Reverse that for stepping. Make sure all your shrouds and backstay are attached and free an' clear of obstructions/tangles.

 

[Ward]

look at the h23 methods

You might also look at the h23 model page. There are several methods described there that will work for your boat. With my method on the h23, my wife stays on the ground and holds a line that has a couple wraps around the jib winch. She can hold the mast up with one hand.Good luckWard

 

[Chuck]

a little FEAR goes a long way

I step my H25 mast (30 ft long) and every year it gets easier, because I am less afraid of it. Also because nobody is fighting anybody else's efforts. We never use a forestay rope anymore, it seems to accentuate the sideways forces. Just push the thing up, make sure of your footing, and have someone to clear the wire or two that always stray and snag.