I'll never raise a mast in this kinda wind again
Posted by Spiritu-Scene-9579@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 28 comments
sailing Lake Michigan
Posted by Spiritu-Scene-9579@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 28 comments
sailing Lake Michigan
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.
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
WildYourLife@reddit
Sailing a laser in F7 is a wild ride for sure.
ppitm@reddit
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Raneynickelfire@reddit
It's only got one aft lower on each side. Are you talking about keeping the capshrouds connected too?
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.
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
LameBMX@reddit
aint a mast crane around you?
jfinkpottery@reddit
That whole mast might only weigh 50 or 60 pounds.
LameBMX@reddit
still faster and easier than all the other rigging.
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.
Spiritu-Scene-9579@reddit (OP)
you are brave
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.
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!
bryangcrane@reddit
Great username :-)
Internotional_waters@reddit
Thanks!
carnalasadasalad@reddit
Why all the fuss with the gantry and stuff? Mast tha big 2 guys can just do it by hand in about 7 minutes.
geoffpz1@reddit
Done it more times than I can count. Dropped it between races, on the h20, in sequence, to get the topper back. Good times 27ish ft mast.
LastHorseOnTheSand@reddit
Jeez how'd you raise the gin pole though?
alex1033@reddit
In Perth, Australia, nearly every sailboat is equipped with masts one can lower and raise without a crane using only two people. It's a routine.
millijuna@reddit
Man… I’d hate to have to re-tension my rig every time I headed out… and I just have a 32’ mast on a 27’ boat.
Then-Blueberry-6679@reddit
It looks like you have done this once or twice.
apingaut@reddit
I like the set up.