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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Mast Raising

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arkayp
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/28/2004 : 23:28:10

I recently purchased a 1996 C250-WB. The boat didn't come with a mast raising system. It spent most of it's life in a slip and when we took possession and towed it home two of us lowered the mast by hand. Today again two of us attempted to raise the mast by hand....unsuccessfully. Actually we stopped about half the way. As we stepped forward we stopped at the cabin hatch. A good time was had by all and no one got hurt. The good news is this gave us time to ponder the following questions;
Is it possible to raise the mast by hand? Maybe we chickened out to soon? Perhaps more people? Should I purchase a system to raise the mast? If yes, what and where? There is no evedidence of a mast raising system on our trailer. We only need to raise and lower the mast two or three times a year.

I really appreciate the knowledge shared in these forums and would appreciate any help or ideas.

Edited by - on

Keith D.
Navigator

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USA
233 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2004 : 01:12:42

The story sounds familiar. I just picked up a 1995 250-wb which was kept in a slip. With no mast raising system. The original owner and me took the mast down and I took it home. Being local to Catalina I went over to their plant and picked up a mast raising pole and baby shrouds. The pole was $60 and the shrouds $59 for the set. I added Arlyn’s winch idea from Wal-Mart for $16 and a chunk of rope and you are ready to go. One person can put it up or take it down with ease.

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2004 : 07:38:36

The mast raising system was changed for '97 year model from an on the boat to a trailer system.

As Keith outlines, Catalina evidently still supports the older system. The winch is far better than the block and tackle.

Do you have a manual outlining the use of the original system? I'm not sure if the online manual has that or the later system.

Yes, making the transition from cockpit to cabin top is a pain on the 250 because of the lexan hatch. Some people when stepping a mast by hand, actually build a temporary step to put in the companionway slots but that doesn't work well on the 250 because then stepping on the lexan is not a good way to go.

The alternative to buying the parts from Catalina is to use A Standing A Frame. I've not used it but provided a drawing in the general section recently. It looks like a very nice way to go.

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2004 : 07:47:45

Arlyn Stewart's latest suggestion for raising the mast on older C250 boats appears to be the best using 2x4s, a winch and some rope. I have a 1995 C250 WB and we have raised and lowered the mast using the second halyard with a rope extension strung out. Minimum of four people. You need the baby shrouds to keep the mast from tipping sideways while raising or lowering. Also you need to protect the "T" bolts that connect the guide wires to the deck, see Arlyn'ssuggestion of using cable ties to hold the "T" bolts straight up. My guess is if you couldn't get the mast up it was because the "T" bolts didn't slide up there attachment or you need more bodies. You may also have bent one or more of the "T" bolts. You can never have enough hands around the first few times raising the mast. Your trailer if like mine has no mast raising system available. Do you have an owners manual? Irregardless you should read Arlyn Stewart's web site, good stuff there. "Bear" C250 WB 33 days till splash.

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528
Navigator

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USA
181 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2004 : 09:38:21

It is possible to raise by hand with 2 people of relative strength and resolve. That being said, I would not even think of doing it without the lower raising shrouds attached. We pushed the mast up to the point where you lose leveage. With one steadying the mast, I pushed from behind with a length of 2x4 over his head, when over center, I went to the furling attach point and finished assembly. You will have to slack the main and rear shrouds in order to attach the furler. Slacking only the rear shroud is not enough. I don't reccomend doing this unless it is a last resort. See our picture in the link "Never enough time II".

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arkayp
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 03/29/2004 : 21:34:36

Thanks for the information. Very helpful!

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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.