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More warning about pelican hooks while raising mst

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/01/2006 : 22:22:51

Some (sorry, can't remember who to give credit) warned about the dire consequences of the pelican hooks on the short mast raising shrouds not being closed properly. I am here to write that I am a believer, and have some perhaps new information on how this can happen.

I lowered my mast with the kit for the first time last weekend. This weekend, I am raising it in my driveway for practice. When we lowered it, the short shrouds were too tight, and we really had to work to get them loose.

I connected both this afternoon, and because of the warning, I pulled on both and did my best to make sure they were both closed. To my surprise, even though one of them clicked in, and seemed closed correctly, even a gentle pull on the shroud would open it again. Upon close inspection, I found that the pelican hook (the thinner part) was VERY slightly bent, and prevented the lock pin from getting all the way into the hole. So it would click, look locked, but any tension on the shroud would open it again.

Because I am in a hurry to get ready, I went and bought another one, I will look at whether I can bend this one back later.

A near disaster averted because of this forum. THANK YOU, whoever reported this problem.

Now I'll go try raising the mast for the first time. Wish me luck...

Kevin Mackenzie
Former Association Secretary and Commodore
"Dogs Allowed"
'06 C250WK #881
and
"Jasmine"
'01 Maine Cat 30 #34

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2006 : 08:56:51

Kevin, Back the tension off those baby stays, there's no need for them to be tight at any point while lowering or raising the mast. I expect that's what bent it. Remember to keep an eye on the shrouds while raising. Especially the area where the T bolts are located. They can become twisted and will bend easy, don't forget about the back stays either. Arlyn has a [url="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/tbolt.html"]mod[/url] that keeps the T bolts straight by using a large wire tie. Works great, one less worry when raising the mast. Keep an eye on where the shrouds attach to the mast too, sometimes the attachment points will fall into the mast some and twist.

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Robert
1st Mate

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USA
75 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2006 : 12:56:05

Kevin;
I have raised my mast dozens of times and I never do it without placing one over laping wrap of duct tape on each hook. Also, follow Tom and Arlyn's recommendations.
Robert

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2006 : 15:15:40

Here's a link to a suggestion I made last year.
[url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10642&SearchTerms=pelican,hook"]topic id 10642[/url]

Paul

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GaryW
Deckhand

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12 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2006 : 00:35:35

I was impressed by Paul's mod using the stainless steel tubing to hold the pelican clips together. I have personally used simple short lengths of thick-wall PVC pipe, large enough to slip over the fitting on the mast end of the baby stays. Since they are out only long enough for mast raising and lowering, I do not expect UV degradation. I do check them visually for deterioration before raising the mast. I leave them on the baby stays when stored.

Also, similar to Arlyn's mod for keeping the shroud T-bolts in place, I use a couple of the short bungee cords I use to tie lines and shrouds to the mast when trailering. I wrap the bungees around the shroud T-bolts to effectively hold the turnbuckles up and prevent kinking the shrouds during mast raising. Quick on and off.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.