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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Mast raising system ...

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1772 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/26/2002 : 16:24:49

Hi all,

I have been looking through my sailboat folders and the tech tips, but I can't find what I'm looking for. 'Seems to me that someone invented a mast raising system that uses an "A-frame" made of conduit ... the apex of the A-frame attaches to the end of the forestay, the two feet attach to the deck, and the mast is pulled forward into the raised position using a winch, blocks, or whatever to give you a mechanical advantage.

I don't think I dreamed it, and I know it's NOT the "Huntington Rig" ... I've got plenty of info on that.

Does anyone know where I can find information about this gizmo?

Thanks!

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1772 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2002 : 18:52:00

'Found it! Here is the link for anyone interested:

http://c25c250.best.vwh.net/restricted/bearsad1.html

There are several ideas on this same page ... scroll all the way down the bottom to see the A-frame mast-raising idea.

This looks pretty slick to me ... has anyone ever tried it?

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"

Edited by - on

gfrazzle
Deckhand

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11 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2002 : 19:10:30

Hi Buzz,
I just built the A-Frame a couple of weeks ago and it works well. I dropped the mast by myself using the system- a lot of work but doable. I haven't used it to raise the mast yet- the boat is still in maintenance. I built the stern mast crutch out of schedule 40 PVC with a mount on top for a trailer roller to roll the mast to the stern when ready to hoist. I'm anxious to try it out. The key is to take the time to ensure all lines/ shrouds/ turnbuckles/ stays are in the correct position prior to beginning the hoist/ drop.
Total cost for the whole system was less than $20.

Flyaway Hull# 1743

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1772 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2002 : 20:06:11

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I built the stern mast crutch out of schedule 40 PVC with a mount on top for a trailer roller to roll the mast to the stern when ready to hoist.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Do you have a photo? I was thinking about doing the same thing. In fact, I was considering using concentric PVC pipes so that I could raise the mast a bit on the stern before trying to winch it all the way up ... my idea was to drill some holes through the outer pipe and use a pin to hold the inner at successively higher levels ... kinda' like an adjustable crutch.

Also, what sort of conduit did you use? A friend of mine told me about "rigid" conduit ... it is supposed to be stronger than the usual conduit. I was thinking about using that for the A-frame if it isn't too heavy or too expensive.

Thanks for the help and encouragement ... I really appreciate it.

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2002 : 02:38:46

With the help of my neighbor and his wire welder I (he) built a mast crutch similar to the one in the catalina direct catalogue. I used it to raise my mast a few weeks ago. I did that with the aid of a guy that just got his motor boat on a trailer. For the two tubes I used 1" square tubing that fit into 1.25" square tubing. We made a roller to fit on the end and it extends from the top of the rear pulpit to about 7' up from there.
It worked well except there seems to be a lot of flexing in it when pushing the mast back, I think a couple of lines leading to the jiib cleats would help. Also I have a little room between the sides of the roller assembly and the roller that caused lines to get caught as it was being pushed back. The flex caused concern, I think it will work much better with extra support. Seeing the flex I got I would be very leary of using PVC pipe. I could see it snapping very easily. Since I was so concerned about the bending of my assembly I was trying to hold that while lifitng the mast and I think this made it more difficult. For extra lifting power I used the main halyard attached to the bow and the halyard wench. This worked well

Matt Loeffler
E.C. Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK/SR _/)

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1772 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2002 : 10:39:03

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
The flex caused concern, I think it will work much better with extra support. Seeing the flex I got I would be very leary of using PVC pipe. I could see it snapping very easily.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Thanks Matt ... I was considering the heavy duty PVC 4" with 3" inside, but that might not be strong enough ... back to the drawing board.

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"

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