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Mast Raising/Lowering
The nightmare of many sailors ! Now I’m a strong fella, having spent many years in competitive rowing, but raising (or rather lowering) the mast is a nightmare without a bunch of helpful fellows around to lend a hand. Even then, I found that without a mechanical system the mast tends to come down with a thump !
I have trawled through the ‘net and decided to go with the gin pole/bridle system. It works well. Pics say a thousand words, so here they are. I did initially attach an eye to the mid mast point, but quickly found it was just as easy to use the main halyard. This requires less force to get the mast lifted off the rest.
The nightmare of many sailors ! Now I’m a strong fella, having spent many years in competitive rowing, but raising (or rather lowering) the mast is a nightmare without a bunch of helpful fellows around to lend a hand. Even then, I found that without a mechanical system the mast tends to come down with a thump !
I have trawled through the ‘net and decided to go with the gin pole/bridle system. It works well. Pics say a thousand words, so here they are. I did initially attach an eye to the mid mast point, but quickly found it was just as easy to use the main halyard. This requires less force to get the mast lifted off the rest.
Here is a great way to support the mast when it is being lowered. When the mast is still held in the mast step by the pin, the weight tends to be outside of the boat as the mast comes down. A great way to take the strain is to use a lighting stand. They can be placed on the ground to the rear of the transom, and the double telescopic support goes to 3 metres. The item is available in the UK from ESR Components.
The Gin Pole was just a piece of box section alloy I had lying around. Two eyes were fitted with through bolts to support one against the other. The block and tackle leading forward was attached to one, and the main halyard attached to the other. Eyebolts were fitted to each side and the wire bridles were attached to each side. I used galvanised wire from a DIY superstore.
I fitted an eye to the base of the mast, and the Gin Pole (being box section alloy) fitted over it. A bolt through the the base of the gin pole located through the eye at the base of the mast to secure it in place.
Two bridles (of three legs) were made up using galvanised wire and U clamps. Through a little fiddling and adjustment, the central ring on each side lines up pretty much with the base of the gin pole. This ensures the bridle is kept reasonably taught as the mast is raised or lowered, and the gin pole stays at 90 degrees to the mast.