Raising and lowering mast

[norfolkgypsy68]

Hi - just wondering if anyone has any tips for making the raising and lowering of the mast easy without using an A frame. We have been sailing on the broads and it is taking 3 of us to raise the mast and ideally we want to be able to do it with 2 of us - any bright ideas??

[richendathompson]

Hi,

You should only need two people - one to walk the mast forwards or backwards and the other to hold it in position using the jib halyard - you can also use a pole.

Hope this helps

[Tony]

I struggled with this. Each time I tried it by hand I needed to lie on the bank for 20 minutes to let the dark spots disappear from in front of my eyes. An A-frame transforms the whole operation. We can now raise and lower the mast under way. Or it's an easy job single handed on a mooring. There are a lot of bridges on the Broads...

[Howard Etherington]

Hi, I been having the same problem with finding it almost impossible to raise the mast by oneself.

I have made up a 1700mm long wood 50mm square strut that has a metal fork at one end with two slotted holes 12.5mm dia. This attaches to the bolt (which has been slackened) that passes through the mast tabernacle.
Fitted to the other end of the strut is metal bar with 2 holes to attach shackles.

Proceed as follows to raise the mast

Loosen the bolt thro' the mast:

Fit the fork and strut onto the bolt and nip loosely with the wrench.
Raise the strut and attach the forestay to the metal plate at the end of the strut.
Remove the mainsheet tackle and fit to the end of the strut.
Attach the other end of the mainsheet purchase to a rope strop around
the bowsprit by the anchor roller.

Raise the mast by pulling on the Mainsheet purchase. It goes up very easy! Note! Much better to make up a separate 3 to 1 purchase from the Chandlers rather than use the mainsheet.

Cleat off the main sheet securely! and use the jib halyard to complete the raising of the mast.

I done this several times now and the arrangement can be used to lower the mast too but do take great care

The strut and the fork can be separated and can be stowed in the cockpit locker.

I have a photo of the arrangement if you need to see.

Best of luck!

Howard

[rob]

Hi Howard - any chance of beign able to see a pic?

[Neal]

I had one of these fitted by Neil Thompson Boats when I bought Madryn...

youtu.be/wKXsuD565Xk

It really is an excellent system. It allows me to raise and lower the mast easily single handed and when not being used it packs away into a cockpit locker so there is nothing cluttering up the deck as there would be with a permanent A frame.

I can't recommend it highly enough.

Neal