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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Mast Climbing?

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jlannutti
Navigator

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USA
102 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/20/2009 : 02:22:16

Has anyone had the pleasure of going aloft on a 250. The the P/O kept Gracie in a Marina year round so the mast was not un-stepped for years at a time, I do the same. When I bought her she was transported from Haverstraw, NY to Riverside, NJ by truck at which time the mast was of course down and available for close inspection. The mast was raised by the marina service dept. Here it is 3 years later and I'd like to re-tape the covers at the spreader ends, make a minor adjustment to the windex, do an inspection, etc. I do not know how to un-step the mast myself(there is none of the apparatus that may or may not have come with the new boat to do this). I was thinking of having a couple of strong friends pull me up via hayard or even better utilizing a webbing ladder that goes up the mast in the track. Any suggestions

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cwstrang
1st Mate

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USA
78 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 06:48:16

I recently made a trip up the mast on my 250 WK; I crafted a makeshift boson seat (2x6 seat with .5 nylon line through the bottom and tied off just over my head) and had my son winch me up the mast using the mainsheet halyard. It worked out well saving me a few boat dollars buying an official boson seat. The view was great from up there as well but a little unnerving looking straight down as the boat rocked in her slip. I would feel safe using it again for additional trips up the mast.

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jbkayaker
Captain

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USA
299 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 08:57:55

If you don't care to trust your main halyard with your life then use the spinnaker halyard as a backup (second) support line tied around your waist. It's like having a belaying line when rock climbing. As you are being winched up or lowered have somebody keep just a little slack in the spinnaker halyard using the other winch or wrap the line several times around a bow pulpit pipe. This could prevent some serious injuries.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 09:04:10

Why not have "a couple of strong friends" help you drop the mast? The "apparatus" just helps minimize the number and strength involved... Some C-250 guys will probably give you some specific pointers.

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NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 09:15:00

It takes 3 men to drop and raise the mast. I've done it twice now and had no problems. Just seems easier, safer, and allows you to take your time when doing repairs.

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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 09:32:57

What are the steps to dropping, then raising the mast on a boat that is in its slip, as mine is? I apologize if this has been covered in another thread. I haven't found it.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 10:42:54

I'll take a trip up the mast on a bosun's chair everytime rather than take 2-3 hours to drop and raise the mast, retune the rig etc etc.
Just take sensible precautions - another halyard as a safety line. Bosun chair closure taped over. A messenger line attached to the chair so any tools unexpectedly needed can be sent aloft. Tighten the docklines so that the boat is pretty well "rock free", find a strong friend and hoist away!

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 12:36:56

If you want to re-tape the spreader ends you'll need to lower the mast anyway unless you have a great arm reach. I can lower my mast and raise it again in 30 minutes completely tuned.

We use a gin pole but if you have 3-4 guys to help it can be done without it. Install the mast crutch on the transom. Loosen the backstay and shrouds and count the number of turns you make. Have the guys hold the mast as you unpin the forestay. Lower the mast onto the crutch. Tape your spreaders. Have the guys raise the mast back up. Pay attention to the shrouds T-bolts to make sure they don't catch. Pin the forestay. Tighten the shrouds and backstay the same number of turns you loosened them. You are done.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 08/20/2009 12:38:24

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 12:41:50

^^^Exactly, it didn't take long at all to raise the mast, even for my first time. 3 guys is enough, 4 might be better, but more would just get in the way.

Edited by - NautiC25 on 08/20/2009 12:42:41

windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2009 : 12:49:28

Ah, Randy, you make it sound so easy. :) Thanks for the instructions. I'll let you know how it goes in a few weeks.

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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.