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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Stepping mast

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danml
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/24/2006 : 22:07:13

I just purchased an '87 wing keel (#5616) with trailer that I plan to pick-up this weekend. Any tips on dropping the mast? Can 2 people handle this or should I plan on more help? This is my first Catalina, looking forward to learning a lot on this great forum - thanks.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2006 : 22:13:32

Welcom Dan,

Yes 2 people can handle it, but if your going to do it for the first time a few extra hands aren't going to hurt. Detach either the aft stay after detaching the lowers and lossening the uppers. If it is really windy, good luck.

Gradually lower the mast forward by letting out on the aft stay. Attaching a line to the stay can help you maintain leverage. the other person should be forward of the mast and walk it down until it rests on the pulpit. There will be a point in time where you aren't holding anthing in terms of weight on the line, that is when you need to hustle forward and help your buddy out.

Also take a look at the tech tips section (links to the left) all three models I beleive have a number of rigs to help lower and raise the mast.

dw

dw

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 08:27:58

Dan,

I prefer lowering the mast aft. When raising/lowering the mast, I lash a tall crutch to the stern pulpit centered aft in the cockpit. With the crutch in place, the mast can be laid in it allowing easier insertion of the tabernacle bolt and it allows a good headstart toward lifting the mast. If you have a tall rig, a crutch such as this may not extend past the mast's pivot point which may cause the bottom of the mast to go skyward.

Oh, and welcome to the fleet!

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 09:04:08

There are systems that you can use to raise or lower a mast by yourself, but I'm assuming you won't have such a system, and you'll walk the mast down. You need a minimum of 2 people to walk the mast up or down if it's a standard rig and a minimum of 3 if it's a tall rig. Since this will be your first time, I suggest you have 4 people, regardless of whether it's a standard or tall rig, because you don't want the mast to get away from you and fall, and an extra person or two should ensure that won't happen. After the first time, you'll get a feel for the weight of the mast and you will have a better idea of how many people you need at a minimum.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 10:04:26

Watch the turnbuckles, you will bend your T bolts if you do not keep them aligned so they can swivel.

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gop711
1st Mate

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Armenia
83 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 12:14:00

Did you by chance buy your boat off E-Bay?

The reason I asked is because I just missed out.

Gop

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gop711
1st Mate

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Armenia
83 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 14:18:42

I just check ebay site and it was the one that was listed on E-Bay.

Congradulations, it looks like a great boat and a great buy.

The best of luck with it.

Greg

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 15:25:59

Greg, Whats the ebay item number for the boat?

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Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 17:22:51

[url="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987-Catalina-Sailboat-25-8HP-Tohatsu-Motor-Trailer_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63730QQitemZ4630974729QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW"]ebay 87 C25 #5616[/url]

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2006 : 21:15:48

Seeing as you have a trailer, the PO was probably equipped for raising and lowering the mast. Take a look at all your gear and see what aids you may have.
If you take a look at some previous threads, there are lots of pictures that might assist you in what to look for. Namely: A-Frame, mast crutch or roller support. Some of these items may be attached to the trailer.
To help you out with this issue and the others that will crop up in the future, posting pictures is perhaps the best way for the experts to assist you.
Welcome to the group!

Edited by - on

danml
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2006 : 21:21:53

Thanks to all for some great tips - this boat will need some upgrades and a little TLC, I hope to learn a lot from the many experienced forum members!

Dan

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.