How prevent cables from snagging when stepping mast

Does anyone have any tricks for preventing shrouds and trapeze cables from snagging when stepping the mast? I have yet to step the mast in clean shot, cables always get snagged.

1. From the shroud anchor area, pull them back and draped over the tramp just inboard of the aft frame corners.
2. Make sure they loop down cleanly between the hulls, away from trailer, etc. then back up to mast.
3. It helps if the trap handles, dog bones, etc. are laying cleanly on top of the tramp before you start so they don't hang up on side rails and each other.
4. When trailering long distance, I remove the rudder assembly, and it helps that that's out of the way.
5. Before raising, remind your stepping helper that, before running forward to pin the forestay, their first job is to untangle the hang-ups created when all of the above doesn't work.

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

On my boat, I disconnect the bottom ends of the trapeze wires from the bungees and tie them to the base of the mast, so the trap wires are pulled down tight against the mast during transport (I find this to be a lot easier and cleaner as compared to coiling them on the tramp). I don’t untie them until after the mast is up, so there are no trapeze wires to snag during raising.

Otherwise, it’s all about prep as mentioned above. Make sure the shroud wires are routed back on top of the rear crossbar and pushed inward so they don’t risk dropping over the outside and snagging under the corner casting while raising the mast. Also make sure the shroud adjusters and toggles are pointing aft before you start raising the mast. This way they don’t lock up when you’re 2/3 the way up. Finally, make sure the wires are on the correct side of the mast, so they don’t snag under the traveler cleat.

While you’re at it, always make sure the wires are routed cleanly where they connect to the mast tang before stepping. Nothing worse than struggling to get the mast up and pinned, only to look up and see one of the shroud thimbles is cocked at a weird angle on the shackle, and you need to drop the mast to clear it.

sm

That's pretty much all of it, for me!

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'00 H16 #104691
'78 H16 #32692 ex-rental [gone]
Old Holsclaw trailer
My Hobie 16 pages