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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Stepping the mast video

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Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/22/2008 : 10:28:12

Since I've seen a few questions lately about stepping the mast, and since I have to do it all the time, I recorded a video of how I do it while on the water. Hope it can help someone else. It's not that difficult if the boat is set up for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r33VCObNroY

Davy J

2005 Gemini 105Mc
PO 1987 C25 #5509 SR/SK
Tampa Bay

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 10:39:58

Well done.
This should be required viewing for everyone who has mast raising anxiety.
This video should be in Tech tips.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 10:47:50

Awesome! Love the idea of using the forestay/furler as the line to the A-frame. One of my problems has been the dang furler getting in the way of everything. I have some questions but will wait for Part II to see if they are answered there.

Thanks for doing this.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 11:11:02

I will try to record the details later this week. But for the most part, I followed instructions I found on this forum. I modified a couple of things. First, I added short tangs to the ends of the
a-frame where they attach to the chainplates. The foward lowers get connected to these, that prevents the mast from swinging more than a foot or so side to side. I also added two Shaefer furling blocks that fit over the starboard stanchions. Most of the other modifications are to speed up the process. Feel free to ask any questions.

Thanks,
David

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 11:37:09

David, the C250 has "baby stays" that take care of the mast going sideways so I would use a gin pole instead of an A-frame. I like the idea of using the forestay as the mast link to the gin pole. What did you use as the "pulling" line to the A-frame? How did you anchor that line to the bow and how did you route that line back to the winches?

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Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 12:17:14

The pulling line is 3/8 sta-set. There is an eye bolt on the
a-frame, The forestay gets pinned to it. The pulling line is knotted to the shaft of eye bolt (bowline). This line leads to a good sized block that is shackled to the last hole on stem fitting. The line is led aft similar to a furling line, in fact, I use two shaefer furling blocks, these are built for much larger boats than ours, they fit over the stanchions and also keep the line captive. The line then goes to the starboard winch. All of this gear stays in place while we sail and has not been much of a problem. The only thing that needs to be moved, is the a-frame must be pushed back to recoil the anchor rode into the locker after anchoring.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 12:59:05

Very well done. got to show this to the admiral. I've just made an A-frame and mast crutch myself, and she is very concerned about me trying this alone. Is yours a std or tall rig? also, how long are the A-frame poles?

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johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 13:07:03

Davy J
Top drawer video, I'm sure that it's going to be used a lot.
Thanks for taking the time to produce, direct and post.
Who is the camera person and actor?

paulj

Edited by - johnsonp on 04/22/2008 13:50:31

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 13:31:27

Great video! I am in the process of changing my set up - haven't completed the A-frame yet. I hope part 2 includes close ups of its three attachments. Making it downloadable with a permanent link in tech tips would be a real plus.
I have two concepts I am weighing for attaching the bases, one is stronger and one is easier. If the flattened conduit connecter in tech tips is satisfactory, I'll probably go with it.

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 14:29:42

Davy J,

Great job! It's nice to see how reasonable it is to singlehandedly drop and step the mast, even with a furler.

It will be interesting to see the details of your quick-release hardware and how you have set up the lines.

I was surprised at how easily you seem to start the lifting the mast off the crutch --- I suppose you are using a winch on the coaming for that.

Thanks for the video.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 15:00:55

Thank you,

dmpilc - Standard Rig, I don't think it would make a difference if it was a tall rig though. A-frame legs are 92" long. They were originally longer, but because of the bridge clearance at high tide, I had to shorten them. It does not seem to have made a difference. If you have not done this before, I do recommend some assistance the first few times. Especially when raising the mast because sometimes shrouds will get hung up on snaps, etc. Also, my wife usually hauls in jib halyard and furling line as I raise the mast.

Johnsonp - Actor? camera person? that's a $10.00 tripod and my butt out there>

Thanks.

Dave5041 - I plan on recording all the modifications close-up.

Thanks,
David

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 21:17:48

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I'm just about to drop my mast and was wondering how I to attach the A-Frame. I'll be waiting for the close-ups.

Thank again!

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Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 21:31:34

Davy J,

A very informative contribution you gave to our community. Thank you!

I have an A frame with a center gin pole that I have used to step my mast, but with the help of someone controlling the A frame poll. I look forward to part 2. I'd love to try this task on my own.

Great job

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2008 : 22:09:20

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I'm just about to drop my mast and was wondering how I to attach the A-Frame. I'll be waiting for the close-ups.

Thank again!

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