I'll never raise a mast in this kinda wind again

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WildYourLife@reddit

There are ten types of sailers, those who have dropped a mast and liars. LOL Hobie cat guy here. We have to raise our mast every time. I don’t like it either.

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augtism@reddit

Laser sailor here. We have to raise our mast WITH the sail already on. Let me tell you that in Force 7 conditions that is NOT fun

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WildYourLife@reddit

Sailing a laser in F7 is a wild ride for sure.

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Reminds me of how in Martinique they rig the mast and spritsail of a 30+ foot dugout canoe lying on its side, with the sail area of a similarly sized keelboat. Then they hike out on wooden beams and lever the boat upright, and off they go.

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lutherdriggers@reddit

Many years ago I dropped my Hobie 16 mast but not before straining my back trying to keep it from falling. I regret doing this because I attribute some back issues to that moment :(

After that I learnt to park downhill into the boat launch to make the lift easier and safer :D

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IndenturedServantUSA@reddit

I use the winch on my trailer to raise the mast of my Cat22. I highly recommend it for those with trailer winches.

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Mynplus1throwaway@reddit

I've always used my mainsheet pulley on my forestay. How do you keep yours from going side to side? Also a Catalina 22. Even with my side stays on there is a middle point where it can go side to side a bit

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IndenturedServantUSA@reddit

Of the six shrouds (side stays), I keep the four stern most shrouds (two on each side) connected to the deck and they do a great job at preventing the mast from going side to side. There's still some wiggle, but nothing problematic.

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Dabba2087@reddit

I do this as well but there's still plenty of wiggle for it to move and go sideways when about halfway up.

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Raneynickelfire@reddit

It's only got one aft lower on each side. Are you talking about keeping the capshrouds connected too?

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jfinkpottery@reddit

A mast that small can be done by hand. I think the 22 has a 25 foot mast, I used to raise a 28 foot mast by hand. Just by grabbing it at the top while it's down in the cradle, and then walking towards the step. I'd hold the main halyard in my teeth as I did that, hooked to a simple block at the fore, then the halyard could hold the mast in place while I fastened the forestay. Walking up onto the deck out of the cockpit while holding a mast was the hardest part, if you have a friend that can lift it while you stand on the deck it's way easier.

I started off with the a-frame lifting frame and all that, and after only a handful of launches I got tired of all that rigging and just tried lifting it and it worked.

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KeyGroundbreaking390@reddit

You've got different pivot points between your mast step and the twin gin pole set up. I wouldn't trust it. I've used Hiscocks method shown below on even the windiest day without issues.

https://youtu.be/Si612QhnFPM?si=IJm9bmatz7VK99Mq

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LameBMX@reddit

aint a mast crane around you?

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jfinkpottery@reddit

That whole mast might only weigh 50 or 60 pounds.

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LameBMX@reddit

still faster and easier than all the other rigging.

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Proud-Suspect-5237@reddit

I've done this on a 27 footer with a 30 foot mast. I hope I never have to do it again. What a chore.

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Spiritu-Scene-9579@reddit (OP)

you are brave

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Proud-Suspect-5237@reddit

Had to be done, had to run a new radio antenna and anchor light wire, and there was no conduit. Spent a hard weekend installing conduit, boy was that an adventure.

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Internotional_waters@reddit

I did it on a 42 foot boat with a 45 foot mast in a deserted bay in the las Perlas islands in Panama, got through the canal, found that the wooden block under the mast step was rotten and had to replace it, couldn't afford a boatyard on the pacific side, couldn't afford to go back through the canal, and couldn't work in the anchorage off of panama city (too exposed and choppy). So bought a bunch of 2×6's for an a-frame and went to find a sheltered bay in the prelas islands to drop the mast and put it back again. Got it done then crossed the pacific. Was a bit crazy, but was all part of the adventure!

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