Solo Mast Stepping - again

I still get the occasional request for this mast stepping system so here it is again and email me for pictures if you wish.

SIMPLE Mast Stepping (solo) - a piece of p..s even for this lightweight:D
So easy, that after a couple of times you will not risk having someone help ever again! All it takes is a bit of practice to develop the TECHNIQUE.

1. Get an extended 'Y' piece for the rear of your trailer, 8/9ft. Keep it handy in your
sail box.
2. Pull the cat around so it's back to back with the trailer.
3. Position the mast and insert the pin. Upper section of mast resting in
the 'Y' with the tang clear of the 'Y' and closer to the cat to avoid tangle/complications. Be sure all wires are free and ready to raise and be sure your rollers are DIRECTLY under the rear beam for balance when you step up there! The mast is easier to raise when the cat is tilted forward.
4. Attach a thin rope to the front stay, ABOVE the wire extension, down thru a pulley on the end the chainplate and back thru one of your jib cleats on the front beam.
5. Step up on the tramp and, with your weight on the rear beam, lift the mast up and forward, (easy to do even for a babe!). Set it in position (with a jerk) and you can hold it with one hand while you bend down to cleat the rope with the other. Be sure it's SECURE before jumping down to pin the chainplate. Do it with the wind BEHIND you if it's blowing strong!
Do it all in REVERSE for lowering, cleating your rope TIGHT before releasing the bridle. Then just jump up and hold the mast with one hand, release the rope from the cleat with the other, step back to the rear beam while easing the mast down (with both hands) onto the 'Y'.
AND a tip – if/when your stepping link breaks (as it will eventually) it may still be good if it has split lengthways – two separate sets of holes are more flexible and will last you many more years. Use a short, thin screwdriver for a pin – much better than the Hobie pin and easier to remove because of the handle.

I think this is essentially what I am practicing... but I do not think that a number of the female cat sailors would be up for the tasks... my wife can not safely solo step with that method. This method still requires quiet a bit of ump when it comes to lifting and balancing the mast....

Patrick

I have been stepping my mast solo for many years and use a method that sounds similar to yours. I use a length of line which I use to extend the length of the jib halyard and tie one end to the bridle. I made a simple tripod from three tent poles that I set up a few feet to the rear of the boat. I then raise the mast as you describe and, while leaning into the mast, reach down to pull the jib halyard tight and cleat it on the mast. I do this with the boat on the trailer. I presume from your step #2 that you remove the boat from the trailer first. That wouldn't be practical in most launch areas that I use since I have to drive to the ramp after raising the mast.

_________________
Howard

Yes, it can be done on the trailer but when your're 70kgs (under 11 stone -15lbs in American) it really helps to have the boat tilted forward on the rollers - takes most of the weight off the mast as you lift. Find an extension for your rear y-shape, it's so much easier than a tripod though you may have trouble setting the stepping link if the mast is not high enough.

One of the advantages of the tripod is that it can be placed far enough aft to balance the mast to make it easy to install the pin. I weigh 170 lbs. and don't have a problem raising the mast (even at my age-75). I have been raising the mast this way for about 20 years.

What do you mean by "the rear Y shape"?

_________________
Howard

Can you send me picyures please. [email protected]

_________________
Scott M. Fitzgerald

I tried one of those mast stepping devices from the Hobie catalog a couple years back. The idea is great, but the actual equipment was DANGEROUS. It was poorly made using very cheap materials. It worked pretty good for about a week, then while I was stepping the mast with it, it failed, my mast falling from being almost all the way up. It broke the mast base plate, and if someone had gotten hit by the falling mast, it would have killed them. I was very disapponted that they would sell junk like that. I'm working on my own design for one.

By the rear 'Y' shape I mean the extension you insert where your rear one is to support your mast at the back of the trailer: 1. Get an extended 'Y' piece for the rear of your trailer, 8/9ft. Keep it handy in your sailbox

And (oops!) that should read a weight of "150 lbs in American" - not 15!

Pics sent to M Scott Fitzgerald.

I too would like to see a series of pictures if you have them...

Thanks,
[email protected]

I too would like to see photos. Are they posted at Photobucket or some other site or do you have to email them?

alnew at bigfoot.com

_________________
Alfred
'87 H16 Sail 89907
If you aren't sailing on the edge, you're taking up too much room.

PICS SENT TO BOTH OF YOU

Well,


Just to be different, I put a winch on the rear bumper of my truck. I extended the remote so it will reach back far enough. I hook up the shrouds, wrap some inner tube strips around the mast, hook up the cable and then just raise the mast up with the winch. No strength needed, easy to do. A women could do it easily.


dale

_________________
Dale Guthormsen

Where to be, On the Edge
2008 hobie 16

Only a red neck from Saskatchewan would think of that lol (as I am one myself)

_________________
06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

If you wanna get from the trailer to the water in 15 minutes then forget about the fancy stuff and just PRACTICE!

DITTO