Unstepping a mast

[Ed Hebert]

Another embarrassing question from a guy that's never had to do this before. Can't learn if you don't ask!What is the proper technique for unstepping a mast? I don't want to attempt to figure it out on my own and then screw it up due to lack of education. I'm a new owner of an O'Day 22, so excuse my ignoramce.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Trick questions

Ed -There really is no right way other than under extremely precise control. You want to devise a system that works for you and the crew you have available that will prevent the mast from getting out of control. This might mean letting the headstay go and lowering the mast using it as a leash. It might mean getting four guys next to the mast and then just walking it down.I would strongly suggest you find someone who has done a mast or two to help you the first time. Its not really hard but you would hate for it to go wrong.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[James]

I'll give you a hand

Ed, I think I saw a posting from you the other day and it indicated that you were in Fairhaven MA - If this is true then I would be very willing to give you a hand. I have an O'Day 23 which is mored in Fairhaven harbor. Stepping the mast is not a big deal if you do it under some contol and, as Justin said - use a system which works for you. I think lowering is a lot easier than raising since gravity is working for you - you just have to controlSend me an e-mail (jforster@ti.com) with your phone number or contact information and I will contact you.CheersJames

 

[Clay Wright]

piece 'o cake

Hi Ed! It's me again!Before I bought my O'day 22 I made sure I could raise and lower the mast singlehanded. I found it's really no problem and takes me about 10 minutes to get it stepped, and a little less to get her down. I don't mean to make light of it too much because obviously any loss of control could put quite a divot in your head or at least damage the boat a good one.First I "walk" the mast back and engage the mast base to the step (my boat has engagement pins for this purpose). The mast then rests on the stern pulpit. Then I make sure ALL the shrouds and stays are untangled and free of kinks and binds. I then cleat off the rope part of the jib halyard very securely to its cleat and attach a long 1/2" nylon line to the shackle end of the halyard. This long line gets passed through a block which I attach to the stemhead fitting with a snap shackle. Don't attach the snap shackle to the hole which receives the forestay! I pass the bitter end of the long line down the starboard side of the boat (I am right-handed) and lay it out on the cockpit seat where it is in easy reach. Now for the fun part:I stand on the portside cockpit seat in the middle of the cockpit. I grab the mast and hoist it above my head, shifting my right foot to the starboard seat so that I am straddling the cockpit. The mast pivots very securely in the step. With elbows extended I hold the mast above my head and step forward to the bulkhead, "walking" my hands along the mast until it is as far up as I can get it. Holding it in place with my left hand (not difficult because the weight is now mostly on the step) I grasp the long line and strip out all the slack. When it's tight I can let go of the mast, take two turns around the winch, hoist the mast the rest of the way with the winch (no handle necessary) and cleat the line off. Then just go forward and hook up the headstay.I am not one to take foolish chances, and at 5'10" and 142 lbs I'm no Hercules either. I would encourage you to try this with some assistance nearby for the first time and maybe wear a hardhat, but I really am comfortable doing this. Of course, if you normally sail with a crew, this is easy.Thanks for the feedback on Joshua Slocum. You live on hallowed ground! How I'd love to have a metal detector and see if I could dig up some old boat nails from the original Spray that Slocum rebuilt!Good luck with the mast.Clay

 

[Jim S]

Support

Well - I can't help you much only to say don't be embarrased - I have a 222 and stepping and unstepping the mast on this thing is one of the most intimidating experiences I have had. If your 22 step is like my 222, it is not a very well designed thing. The aluminum mast foot cannot take any degree of twist or shifing of the mast to either side during the process, the most important thing is to keep the mast straight on the way up and down - otherwise the aluminum pivot will stap - creating a potentioally hazardous situation - so good luck and be carefulJim