Mast Raising - Gin Pole Winch

Submitted by Arlyn Stewart

The first 200 or more c250s use a gin pole and block and tackle arrangement for mast raising. It works fairly well but requires a strong pull to raise. The other problem is that if something hangs when lowering and it is necessary to cleat the line into the cam cleat, it is quite hard to uncleat and continue lowering.

One option is to modify the trailer and use the trailer winch as is done on the later model 250s. Unfortunately the bow stop pedestal does not simply allow inserting a telescoping section inside as it will not clear the bow pulpit. Changing the system would also mean dismounting the boat to operate the winch and when single handing would require mounting again to tend to the inevitable fouled shroud.

Not wanting to use a sheet winch and place myself in harms way, I added a small trailer winch on the gin pole. Two 1.5 inch U-bolts mounted it very easily about 1/3 the length from the mast end. Attach a turning block at the end and a carabiner for connecting to the eye in the anchor locker and its ready to go.

Much less effort is needed compared to the block and tackle and it is very easy to stop and lock the winch in any position while raising or lowering.

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Arlyn Stewart
R&R  #224