unstepping the mast

[h.banick]

What are steps in unstepping the mast on my C30? Any sound advice?

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Step #1: Hire a boat yard

If you're thinking of unstepping it yourself, I'd seriously reconsider that. I know it can be done but if you're just doing it as a one time deal, have a professional crane operator do it for you. You will be much happier cuz if you accidentally dropped it or had some other mishap, you're SOL. At least the yard will have insurance! BUT, if you're planning on raising & lowering it frequently & want to learn, someone here will know. UGH! Just the thought sends chills down my spine! Good luck!LaDonna

 

[Gary Jensen]

unstepping is simple

I just unstepped a 380 (double spreader) mast for the first time. It really was quite simple. Just remove your dodger first if you have one,then your boom.Coil all your lines and green tape them to the mast. The next step is to go to the hull where all the wiring for your wind instruments connect. (remember to tie a messenger to the wires for the reinstall). Your next step would be to loosen your shrouds,your roller furling (forstay) and your backstay. Have the yard bring in a boom and lift the mast several inches. (enough to bring all the wiring to the deck) tie off the messenger to the deck and then finish undoing the shrouds and stays. When they lift the mast with the boom, you will have to corrall the shrouds, stays and the wiring as the operator finds a space to place it horizonally (on carpeted saw horses). Carefully watch your wind instruments while placing it down..It sounds like a lot of work, but its just time consuming. It shouldn't take more than 3 to 4 hours MAX!(even with a dodger. email me if you need more info sail1752@aol.com Good Luck, Gary

 

[h.banick]

Thank You

Thank you all for your help. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

[Richard]

piece of cake

I did mine twice using the crane at our marina. The crane is only 15 feet above the water at high tide and around 21 at a good low tide. I put 50 pounds of weights at the winches (near the base of the mast) to make up for hoisting it below the spreaders. The mast only weighs around 200 or less pounds.Nobody mentioned that the wires all have connectors at the base of the mast so you don't need to undo any wiring! If you have a wind instrument it may have a connector down in the bilge or somewhere else. They are a pain in the butt. All other wires will be easily disconnected with the mast raised a foot or less.Rollerfurling is a pain in the ass and I if you are doing this job yourself remove it first.Richard