Un stepping and Stepping the mast on a 93 28

[Paul Aubrecht]

I have looked through the archives and read some stuff but if anyone has any ideas about taking down a mast on a 93 28' hunter.I want to try to do this without a crane and while in the water.Has anyone done it by using a neighboring boat while in the water?My yard facilities do not much exist so I have to rely on me and some one else to do this.Any guidance or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tom Boles]

Well, it can be done but it's NOT at all easy.

I've seen folks do it with the boat anchored next to a very tall dock. (In this case, it was a railroad pier near China Basin in SF Bay) Having some tidal action, allowing you to do it at low water is a big help.All in all, though, having SOME kind of crane looks like really the way to go,Good Luck!

 

[Steve Dion]

VERY CAREFUL

Paul:I do not think that two people can do this. This mast is about 37' plus the rigging. You are looking at $5-6k if you wreck it and it will also be the end of your sailing season. It usually takes months to get a new one.When you look at something like the H'260 they have a much smaller cross section and also about 6-7 feet shorter. They also have a device to raise and lower the unit too. Personally I would avoid trying this at almost any cost. We did this on our old H'25 and nearly had a disaster, would not want to see you make a mistake.PS: Why do you want to do this anyway?

 

[David Foster]

Find a marina with a hoist

There has to be a marina somewhere nearby with a mast crane. The will probably let you use it for free, or a small fee. Two of us can handle the mast on our h27, but I can't imagine doing it without a crane. You need the support while undoing/redoing the stays, and especially while disconnecting/reconnecting the electrics while the butt end is suspended 1-2 feet off the deck.Too many bad things could happen to you, your crew, or the mast without a crane.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Name withheld]

Could try

You COULD try this, but I won't tell who says..Put your boat between two much larger vessels (40.5 and a 37,5 maybe?) Tie a line securely on to your mast* and attach the halyards of the two other boats. Using their halyards as the cranes, lift your mass and loosen the rigging. Then ease their halyards down to set you mast on the deck. All this with about 6 helpful mates and you MAY get the job done on a calm day.* I suggest a bridle loop from goose neck to top halyard pulley.

 

[Paul Aubrecht]

I guess I will have to find a crane

I will defer to the cumulative experience here and hire a crane.As far as why I would do it in water is because I am on a lake and there are no facilities to do this so I am on my own.Thanks to everyone for their input.