Because I'm a newbie here on your forum, I haven't been able to find information on single handedly putting up and taking down the spar on let's say a 222 O'Day. Archives doesn't seem to find the info. I know it has probably been discussed many times. So could someone direct me to the procedure. Many thanks in advance. py charlie
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Don't do it
You need someone at the front of the boat to pin the forestay as you push it up into place. A passerby can do it in 10 seconds, but don't do this by yourself. You can only be in one place at time. Trust me.
You need someone at the front of the boat to pin the forestay as you push it up into place. A passerby can do it in 10 seconds, but don't do this by yourself. You can only be in one place at time. Trust me.
Singlehanded Mast Stepping
Google "Trailer Sailors" and you should find all the information you'll ever need on this subject. Also the MacGregor website. Lots and lots about stepping a mast singlehanded.
Google "Trailer Sailors" and you should find all the information you'll ever need on this subject. Also the MacGregor website. Lots and lots about stepping a mast singlehanded.
single handed raising.
To do it single handed you need to rig a block at the pointy end, then run a line from the mast head, through the block, then back to you. This would most likely be a halyard, properly attached at the other end, of course. If none are long enough, tag another line on the end. Run that line, coming from the masthead, through the block, and back to where you are when you start to raise the mast. As soon as you lift it off the deck, start pulling on the line. Before raising it far off the deck you can use it to raise some or all of the weight of the mast. If you get into trouble, you can cleat it off or hold it by the line. When the mast gets all the way forward, just tie off the line and you can take your time doing whatever else you need to do. To make it easier to raise, instead of putting the block on the bow of the boat, build a mast on your trailer that extends far higher than the bow. I use a 4' piece of 2" square tubing mounted on the front of the trailer, with a 4' piece of 1 1/2" tubing inside. Before raising the mast I put my block with the line rigged through it on the top of the 1 1/2" piece, then raise it the 4', stick a pin through holes in each, giving me a pulling point about 8' higher than the trailer. To make it even easier, instead of just tagging a line to your halyard, use a block and tackle rig, compounded as many times as you like, and you can get enough effort that you can raise it by yourself right off the deck just by pulling on the line. When it's up, cleat it off and take your time. I use this system all the time.
To do it single handed you need to rig a block at the pointy end, then run a line from the mast head, through the block, then back to you. This would most likely be a halyard, properly attached at the other end, of course. If none are long enough, tag another line on the end. Run that line, coming from the masthead, through the block, and back to where you are when you start to raise the mast. As soon as you lift it off the deck, start pulling on the line. Before raising it far off the deck you can use it to raise some or all of the weight of the mast. If you get into trouble, you can cleat it off or hold it by the line. When the mast gets all the way forward, just tie off the line and you can take your time doing whatever else you need to do. To make it easier to raise, instead of putting the block on the bow of the boat, build a mast on your trailer that extends far higher than the bow. I use a 4' piece of 2" square tubing mounted on the front of the trailer, with a 4' piece of 1 1/2" tubing inside. Before raising the mast I put my block with the line rigged through it on the top of the 1 1/2" piece, then raise it the 4', stick a pin through holes in each, giving me a pulling point about 8' higher than the trailer. To make it even easier, instead of just tagging a line to your halyard, use a block and tackle rig, compounded as many times as you like, and you can get enough effort that you can raise it by yourself right off the deck just by pulling on the line. When it's up, cleat it off and take your time. I use this system all the time.
The mast is deck mounted.
I plan to print these ideas. So far I think stepping the mast before I launch seems best to me.
I plan to print these ideas. So far I think stepping the mast before I launch seems best to me.
In the water?
I have always stepped the mast on the trailer. One time, on my Clipper Marine 21, (which I still have and is for sale) I had to lower it and raise it again while out, although I can't recall now what the problem was. It was not fun, and actually very scary as the power boats wouldn't stay away. I can't even imagine doing it on this Starwind 223 we now have. I wonder - does anyone do it in the water as opposed to on the trailer, and if so, what would be the advantage?
I have always stepped the mast on the trailer. One time, on my Clipper Marine 21, (which I still have and is for sale) I had to lower it and raise it again while out, although I can't recall now what the problem was. It was not fun, and actually very scary as the power boats wouldn't stay away. I can't even imagine doing it on this Starwind 223 we now have. I wonder - does anyone do it in the water as opposed to on the trailer, and if so, what would be the advantage?
Yes indeed
>>I wonder - does anyone do it in the water as opposed to on the trailer, and if so, what would be the advantage? << Sure, I take down the mast at least two times a year while in the water, because it's in a slip in a marina. I like the fact there is no trailer, fenders or license plate to snag the stays or shrouds when raising it back up! I've had the misfortune to have a Great Blue Heron decide he likes my boat to sit on... breaking the windvane twice. The other time was a loose wire from a three way switch I installed to control lighting at the mast base. In the slip it's smoother water. If I wanted to do it outside the slip I'd find flat water with no traffic nearby for sure... and keep my life vest on when going forward to drag the furler mechanizm back with the mast.
>>I wonder - does anyone do it in the water as opposed to on the trailer, and if so, what would be the advantage? << Sure, I take down the mast at least two times a year while in the water, because it's in a slip in a marina. I like the fact there is no trailer, fenders or license plate to snag the stays or shrouds when raising it back up! I've had the misfortune to have a Great Blue Heron decide he likes my boat to sit on... breaking the windvane twice. The other time was a loose wire from a three way switch I installed to control lighting at the mast base. In the slip it's smoother water. If I wanted to do it outside the slip I'd find flat water with no traffic nearby for sure... and keep my life vest on when going forward to drag the furler mechanizm back with the mast.
Electric ATV winch is a no strainer
Replaced the Hand winch on my trailer with a $50 12v ATV winch w/remote and brake, powered by a jumpstart pack. Pully at the bow pulpit, cable hook to gin pole, stand back and shazaam easy and safe. (Disclaimer) Always apply liberal amounts of common sense and safety and when dealing with leverage and physics. We could always use the main sheet block as a back up but never bother now. We always step it on the trailer too. Be safe. Happy sailing.
Replaced the Hand winch on my trailer with a $50 12v ATV winch w/remote and brake, powered by a jumpstart pack. Pully at the bow pulpit, cable hook to gin pole, stand back and shazaam easy and safe. (Disclaimer) Always apply liberal amounts of common sense and safety and when dealing with leverage and physics. We could always use the main sheet block as a back up but never bother now. We always step it on the trailer too. Be safe. Happy sailing.
what holds it from side to side?
I can see where the winch is a great deal. No strain, it does the work. But on both the trailer sailors I have the mast can fall to either side if you're not there steadying it. I see you have some lines going from side to side. Is that enough to keep that from happening? My spreaders are swept back so that the stays are not tight until the mast is nearly completely up. I would have to add some padeyes or something to put lines like that on. Is that how it is normally done or how do you attach them? I assume this may vary from boat to boat. I do like the idea and it would make my raising easier.
I can see where the winch is a great deal. No strain, it does the work. But on both the trailer sailors I have the mast can fall to either side if you're not there steadying it. I see you have some lines going from side to side. Is that enough to keep that from happening? My spreaders are swept back so that the stays are not tight until the mast is nearly completely up. I would have to add some padeyes or something to put lines like that on. Is that how it is normally done or how do you attach them? I assume this may vary from boat to boat. I do like the idea and it would make my raising easier.
I like your rig.
I'll watch for answers to a couple of the others questions. I wonder if you were to rig your idea again would you modify? or not. Of course each boat will be different.
I'll watch for answers to a couple of the others questions. I wonder if you were to rig your idea again would you modify? or not. Of course each boat will be different.
On the water vs trailer
"does anyone do it in the water as opposed to on the trailer, and if so, what would be the advantage?" I've done it both ways, and prefer stepping on the water, if I can position my boat properly. In my slip, I have fingers on both sides of the boat, so it makes doing other adjustments easier than on a trailer. If I'm elsewhere, I would only step the mast (or unstep it), if I had plenty of clear room both in front of and behind the boat. The advantage in that case is mostly psychological - I feel more "in control" when the boat is lower.
"does anyone do it in the water as opposed to on the trailer, and if so, what would be the advantage?" I've done it both ways, and prefer stepping on the water, if I can position my boat properly. In my slip, I have fingers on both sides of the boat, so it makes doing other adjustments easier than on a trailer. If I'm elsewhere, I would only step the mast (or unstep it), if I had plenty of clear room both in front of and behind the boat. The advantage in that case is mostly psychological - I feel more "in control" when the boat is lower.
Hunter has mast struts
Our H240 has permanent 5' stabilizer struts on each side of the mast from the deck up to the side of the mast. I also have rigged guide lines to the gin pole to keep it aligned with the boat. Can't imagine stepping the mast on the water without these types of supports. On land is spooky enough. Worked through a few different refinements for the winch setup but it works perfect now. I've had alot of interest so maybe I'll do a photo essay on the whole project (add that to my resolutions). It was a pretty simple project. The photo shows my "assistant" but a closer look will show the permanent chrome mast struts and the temp gin pole guide lines. Have a good one, be safe. Michael
Our H240 has permanent 5' stabilizer struts on each side of the mast from the deck up to the side of the mast. I also have rigged guide lines to the gin pole to keep it aligned with the boat. Can't imagine stepping the mast on the water without these types of supports. On land is spooky enough. Worked through a few different refinements for the winch setup but it works perfect now. I've had alot of interest so maybe I'll do a photo essay on the whole project (add that to my resolutions). It was a pretty simple project. The photo shows my "assistant" but a closer look will show the permanent chrome mast struts and the temp gin pole guide lines. Have a good one, be safe. Michael
Michael--That would be good !!
Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that this has been discussed before. Pix's would be excellent. I saw some who make a rig using a rather long metal piece of steel attached to the tongue of the trailer with a pulley on top as a gin pole. Your mounted on the deck is intresting. looking forward to your pix's.
Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that this has been discussed before. Pix's would be excellent. I saw some who make a rig using a rather long metal piece of steel attached to the tongue of the trailer with a pulley on top as a gin pole. Your mounted on the deck is intresting. looking forward to your pix's.
go to archives at this site
Many sailors solo step masts often. There are several solutions as to how. MacGregor sells a stepping tool for their new 26s' check out their homepage. This is not a new need, small sailboats have wanted to go under bridges for cen-- years. I am in process of building a solo stepping harness for my Venture 22. i have stepped the mast solo while parked near the ramp and it was difficult until the mast was all the way up. (while i was getting ready everybody left the ramp area & had that tiger by the tail) I plan to use a push up pole and step the mast up and down aft. that way i only need worry about the forstay tension. although will need to drop boom to lower, the harness will handle sideways stability.
Many sailors solo step masts often. There are several solutions as to how. MacGregor sells a stepping tool for their new 26s' check out their homepage. This is not a new need, small sailboats have wanted to go under bridges for cen-- years. I am in process of building a solo stepping harness for my Venture 22. i have stepped the mast solo while parked near the ramp and it was difficult until the mast was all the way up. (while i was getting ready everybody left the ramp area & had that tiger by the tail) I plan to use a push up pole and step the mast up and down aft. that way i only need worry about the forstay tension. although will need to drop boom to lower, the harness will handle sideways stability.
ATV winch
I have used the jib halyard through the bow roller, back to the jib cleat. I must initially lift the mast to get it started, then I can pull the halyard and raise it no problem. Well, the problem is that I must stabilize the mast from side to side. I have done this numerous times, pulling the halyard with one hand and trying to stabilize with the other, but it is an accident waiting to happen. I have thought about A frames, but that doesn't solve all the side to side problem, and its a lot of stuff to carry. The ATV winch may be the ticket. Stabilize the mast with both hands while putting a thumb on a button. Maybe even rig a foot switch. Gotto look into that.
I have used the jib halyard through the bow roller, back to the jib cleat. I must initially lift the mast to get it started, then I can pull the halyard and raise it no problem. Well, the problem is that I must stabilize the mast from side to side. I have done this numerous times, pulling the halyard with one hand and trying to stabilize with the other, but it is an accident waiting to happen. I have thought about A frames, but that doesn't solve all the side to side problem, and its a lot of stuff to carry. The ATV winch may be the ticket. Stabilize the mast with both hands while putting a thumb on a button. Maybe even rig a foot switch. Gotto look into that.
Mast up
I lower and raise my mast every time I leave the dock because of a bridge. I do it under way because docking and undocking is simpler with the mast up and the shrouds etc out of the way. I added a strut at the base of the mast that projects forward(about 6' long) when the mast is up and is vertical when the mast is down. A line runs from the top of the mast to the end of the strut and my boom vang from the end down to the bow. The concern about side support is a real one. I added wire from the base of the mast spreaders down to the deck for lateral support - ideally, they should be attached to the deck at the same elevation and directly across from the mast pivot point. I could'nt get that. so I tension them by means of a heavy bungee cord from one to the other to tighten the wires when the mast is down. This adds a lot of junk on deck, but it works well that I can raise/lower myself without even stopping the boat on my way to the pass to the Gulf. The boat is a 23 footer.
I lower and raise my mast every time I leave the dock because of a bridge. I do it under way because docking and undocking is simpler with the mast up and the shrouds etc out of the way. I added a strut at the base of the mast that projects forward(about 6' long) when the mast is up and is vertical when the mast is down. A line runs from the top of the mast to the end of the strut and my boom vang from the end down to the bow. The concern about side support is a real one. I added wire from the base of the mast spreaders down to the deck for lateral support - ideally, they should be attached to the deck at the same elevation and directly across from the mast pivot point. I could'nt get that. so I tension them by means of a heavy bungee cord from one to the other to tighten the wires when the mast is down. This adds a lot of junk on deck, but it works well that I can raise/lower myself without even stopping the boat on my way to the pass to the Gulf. The boat is a 23 footer.
Always something new.
Maybe I'll refine mine with a 12v winch in the anchor locker that doubles as an anchor windlass/mast step. I saw a nice wireless remote for a 12v winch last week..... and so my invention is now outdated
More tinkering needed. Honey..... I need a new boat part puleeez
Maybe I'll refine mine with a 12v winch in the anchor locker that doubles as an anchor windlass/mast step. I saw a nice wireless remote for a 12v winch last week..... and so my invention is now outdated
More tinkering needed. Honey..... I need a new boat part puleeez- Status