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Mast Raising System (again)

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MurphyPeoples
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/02/2009 : 06:00:01

Hello All. After lowering my mast this past weekend, I've decided I want to build the infamous "A-Frame" made of Conduit for keeping on hand for future mast projects - and to raise her back up.
I've searched our website and found links, but Buzz Marin's pictures are no longer posted in the links, and the main post "Mast Raising System" is now dead. You Tube has a good video, but I'd like to print out a parts list and photos for the build. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Murphy

Edited by - MurphyPeoples on 06/02/2009 06:00:40

Ed Cassidy
Captain

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USA
365 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2009 : 06:55:31

Murphy,
What method did you finally use to lower the mast and how well did it go? Were your fears unfounded?
Thanks

Edited by - on

Tom Gauntt
Navigator

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204 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2009 : 09:23:55

Murphy,

Here is what I based my A-frame on... http://www.catalina-capri-25s.com/tech/tech25/bearsad1.asp I tweaked it a little bit using Davy J's ideas, but mostly stuck with this design. I used it last week and it worked like a charm. Also, search Davy J's posts on the subject. He is the mast raising guru.

Tom

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2009 : 14:52:23

Copied from the General forum, same question:
I made my own A-frame using 2x4's (based on the same tech tip reference above). Others have used 1" rigid metal conduit. 2x4's are heavier, but I didn't feel comfortable working with the conduit. Measure the length from the bow stem to the forward lower chainplates. I think I used about 9.5-10 ft. When attached to the chainplates, you want the top of the A-frame to rest just above the bow stem. I drilled holes at an angle in each 2x4 and inserted a 1/2" diameter bolt long enough to go through both 2x4's. The holes were augered out enough to allow the poles to angle out to the chainplates as well as come together for carrying. Attached to the bolt are 2 caribiners separated by a washer. Your block and tackle of choice will connect the bow stem to the "lower" caribiner and the forestay or a halyard will connect the masthead to the "upper" caribiner.
With the mast down, if you attach the upper caribiner on the A-frame to the forestay, that will automatically raise the A-frame to a near vertical position prior to starting the raising process. If you use a jib halyard, you may have to tension the halyard to raise the A-frame up. As for the block and tackle at the bowstem, I attached a single swivel block to the "lower"caribiner on the A-frame and a single swivel block with becket to the bow stem. A line then runs from the becket to the A-frame block, back to the bow block and from there to a cabin-top or coaming winch. The bottom of the A-frame legs are rounded and I use a small piece of carpet at the chainplates to protect the deck. For attachment to the chainplates, I put a heavy duty eyebolt in the side of each 2x4 near the rounded bottom (use a washer on each side and double nuts or a lock nut and connect each leg to the chainplates with a pair of D shackles, one on the chainplate and one on the eyebolt. This allows enough play for the rig to rotate without damaging the chainplates. Also, if you leave the eyebolt just loose enough to rotate as the A-frame moves, you may get by with only one D shackle. Experiment.

Edited by - on

MurphyPeoples
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2009 : 17:34:58

Guys - I was really crammed for time as I had family issues to deal with involving an elderly mother in law (long sad story) - so I really didn't get to experience the take down. I had the boom down and stowed away when the Marina Yard Operator took pity on me (he knew the story) and he wound up taking an overhead Gin Pole and picked her up overhead (from what I heard). But I've watched alot of nice video's on You Tube, and really want to take the best of all the ideas I've seen.

My favorite is using an A-Frame that wedges under the hand rails and lifts BEHIND the mast - fitting into the mast like a mainsheet. Very Clever. I'll build it here and post the results.

HEY! What's the deal with the Topic being posted TWICE on the general forum? I've never even been over there until tonight to check it out. And saw where this was posted over there? How is that happening?
Murphy

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2009 : 05:22:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by MurphyPeoples
 

HEY! What's the deal with the Topic being posted TWICE on the general forum? I've never even been over there until tonight to check it out. And saw where this was posted over there? How is that happening?
Murphy
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Could be a number of things, but hitting the back button on your browser after posting is the most likely cause. Since there is an interim page after you post and before it gets posted if you don't click back through fast enough you'll get this. Your best bet is to click the "back to forum topic" button after posting and generally speaking only use the links and buttons when using the forum section.

Edited by - Champipple on 06/03/2009 05:23:46

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2009 : 12:09:43

I would suggest making a mast crutch also to hold the lowered mast up above the cabin and cockpit at a 20 degree angle or so. This is the place where the force required to raise the mast is greatest, so the crutch helps with that intital lifting. I attached my crutch to the rudder gudgeons, since I don't ever need to raise and lower the mast on the water.

I have a standard rig mast, not a tall rig, and I found that raising the mast is fairly simple. The power using a 3:1 main sheet is sufficient. An important thing to consider is keeping the lower and upper shroud turnbuckles straight up as you approach vertical.

I used a moving A-frame made of 2x4's like David's, because it was cheap and easy. I have lots of photos of my rig, if you want to see how I did it.

If you have roller furling, then you will need more power to raise the mast with the furler installed on the mast.

Be careful. Try to get help with raising the mast at your marina.

Edited by - JohnP on 06/03/2009 12:11:26

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2009 : 13:36:41

Murphy, If I'm not mistaken and saw the same thing you did, the framework you saw that fits into the handrails and slides in the mast's mainsail track is a side-to-side stabilizer. I don't think it was designed to handle the full weight of the mast like a regular A-frame. Didn't the fellow use a gin pole along with that device?

Edited by - on

Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2009 : 16:57:19

Mark,

Here is a picture of the A Frame I use. Maybe it can help you with ideas on how you want your frame built. Mine came with the boat. Best, Deric

Edited by - on

MurphyPeoples
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2009 : 17:20:50

David - You're exactly right. He used a Gin Pole. But that was a really neat setup.

Deric - I'd love to see your setup. I'm thinking a homologation of several of these ideas.

Also - I think a mandatory Mast Crutch is a good idea. I'm going to do this to upgrade all my rigging and running new lines this winter. Thanks again for all the great help!
Murphy

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2009 : 09:22:28

Somebody ought to take the best of the available designs and manufacture the A-frame for sale. I'm sure their are more than Catalina 25 owners out there who could use one, not to speak of 23, 24, and 26 foot owners.

Edited by - on

Julian
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 05:54:23

Murphy and Al Eckhardt,

Take a look at http://home.att.net/~sail-trailers/mastlift.html

These folks quoted me $125 each last year for the mast crutch and the A-frame for my C25 TR plus $27 each for shipping to WNY. For various reasons I didn't proceed with the purchase, but I certainly plan to when we finally get Wicked Escort back in the water next season.

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4023 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 10:05:41

But how much do they want for the 60lb child???

Edited by - on

cks
Navigator

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126 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 17:49:32

my advice is that after you build whatever system you want to build- make sure you have at least a couple of hands nearby the first time just to help you. when i raised my mast this spring, i grabbed a couple of my boatyard neighbors to help me guide the mast up. it was quite a struggle to attach my furler and forward shrouds until i realized that my jib halyard was wrapped around one of the upper shrouds. it was good to have the guys holding the mast up just in case until i got things secured.

Edited by - on

MurphyPeoples
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 06/22/2009 : 19:41:40

Thanks Julian!
These guys are right down the highway from me about 2 hours.
Murphy

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Julian
 Murphy and Al Eckhardt,

Take a look at http://home.att.net/~sail-trailers/mastlift.html

These folks quoted me $125 each last year for the mast crutch and the A-frame for my C25 TR plus $27 each for shipping to WNY. For various reasons I didn't proceed with the purchase, but I certainly plan to when we finally get Wicked Escort back in the water next season.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

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