Unstepping mast Hunter 34

[Jim]

What is involved in unstepping the mast on a 1987 Hunter 34? How do I get to the wireing to disconnect it? Thanks

 

[duality]

the wiring should be............

in the mast step, hopefully it will have disconnects! in regards to stepping i beleive that after you secure the stick on the crane or gin pole, you should disconnect the side shrouds then the back and front stays. make sure someone with you has had experience, good luckmike

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Don't DIY

The mast on this boat is huge and must be lifted by the yard. Trust me.

 

[David11054]

Need a Gin Pole and 2-3 helpers

A gin pole is a light crane for lifting masts that is available at most yards. I'd advise volunteering to help someone else with their mast to see how the work goes.Otherwise, this is a very doable job. The Admiral and I used to unstep and step our mast (on a hunter 27) every year for winter storage. I have helped others with masts on boats from 32 to 40 feet.Check the archives for more thoughts and advice.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Richard Bryer]

Twice a year

We unstep and restep the mast on our H34 each year. here is what I have learned- and for sure you can do it yourself- with some helpYou need access to a crane - we use the launch crane at the club. It needs to have a boom that will reach about 6 feet above your light mid mast and will lift over 500 lbs. The mast light is where your balance point is, loop your rope just above it as the stretch will pull the rope up a bit and you dont want to try and lift the mast by the light!Tie the line off securely below the gooseneck bracket.The wiring connections are inside and at the mast base. Not a good thing as fingers have to be under the mast when it is lifted a few inches. I looked at Fred's pic and cut a opening at the bottom and now I can disconnect and connect outside the mast. The mast will lift with the bottom slightly heavier and that is what you want. keep it fairly up right and walk it off the boat and lay it on some saw horses.You will need at least 2 helpers- 3 is better.get some one who has stepped amast before as one helper. I find it easier to lift from the front of the mast as the B&R rig puts a lot of rigging in the way when you try and getthe crane boom in from aft.Go careful, take your time and good luck