Stepping pin insertion and removal

I have no problems when the mast is down but when the mast is up it is very difficult to insert or remove the pin. I'm assuming that the ball is slightly too high. Is there a way to lower it?

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The ox is slow but the earth is patient

Mast rake and shroud tension affect the pin. If the rig is loose the pin moves much more freely. Try moving the mast back and forth while pulling on the pin to remove if tight. I often tighten the rig before removing the pin and it is a pain to get out. Remove it immediately after getting the forestay attached, before anything else, and you should be ok.

I have the same problem finding that sweet spot, so I've included some persuasive devices in my toolbox - a hammer to tap it in, and pliers to yank it out.

I, also, often forget to remove the pin before tightening the rig, but when I do there is something along the way to remind me before shoving off.

Another thing to consider is using a screwdriver (craftsman from sears works well because they will give you a new one if you bend it or break it). The screwdriver handle gives you something bigger to grab and twist while you pull the "Pin" out.
Another thing to do to get it out easier is to loosen a side stay then tighten it back up, this gives you the greatest amount of play with out having to find a "sweetspot" in your forestay

Just a few tips for ya,
Have fun

For years I used a "Torx" screwdriver .... last year I forgot to put it away and left it on my tramp ... it must be laying along the highway somewhere. Now I use a "phillips" screwdriver w/ a worn out tip ... and the screwdriver handle is visible so as to remind me to remove it BEFORE I tension my rig for sailing ...

Has anyone told you about the trick of installing a H16 mast wafer w/ a hole between the mast bushing and mast base? It acts as a frictionless bearing surface and allows the mast to rotate easier when you tack the boat!!! And the mast bushing lasts ALOT longer!!! If you store the boat w/ the mast up be sure to take the mast down a least once a season to check the bushing wear ... last year a guy came to me with a boat that had the mast left up for years ... the bushing was worn down to nothing and the SS screw had worn throught the "flipper" on the mast which he had to replace!!! I had never seen anything like it. We also had a b_tch of a time trying to get what was left of the SS screw out of the mast base to install a new bushing and SS screw.


Harry

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11