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How prevent cables from snagging when stepping mast
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Author:  frasedaver [ Mon Aug 18, 2025 6:02 pm ]
Post subject:  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.
Author:  rattle 'n hum [ Tue Aug 19, 2025 8:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: How prevent cables from snagging when stepping mast
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.
Author:  srm [ Tue Aug 19, 2025 9:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: How prevent cables from snagging when stepping mast
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
Author:  AntonLargiader [ Tue Aug 19, 2025 6:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How prevent cables from snagging when stepping mast
rattle 'n hum wrote:
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.


That's pretty much all of it, for me!
Author:  gford [ Wed Aug 20, 2025 1:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How prevent cables from snagging when stepping mast
I had the same problem and came up with this idea. Have used it for about 6 seasons now.
I used two spare weird type carabiners and two small office clips tied together like in the attached image.
One set is to hold the shrouds together and the other set is to hold the trapeze wires together. This will
keep them from getting tangled around anything as you raise the mast.
As you raise the mast the wires are going to want to spread apart to their respective sides. So the wires
will eventually pull out of the office clips but the carabiners will hold on to the assemblies so they don't
go flying away and you have to go looking for them. Instead, they just slide down the wires to the hull
where you retrieve them.

The image on the right shows the routing of just the shrouds. The trapeze wires would use the same
routing with their own carabiner, office clip arrangement, and lay on top of the shrouds.

Good luck

1984 H16 Tequila Sunrise
Greg

Image
Author:  frasedaver [ Thu Aug 21, 2025 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How prevent cables from snagging when stepping mast
Thanks to everyone for your response. Two questions for Greg
1. The office clips go near the bottom of the cables, not the top - correct? If near the top, I imagine cables will pull apart too soon.
2. The carbiners go around one of the 2 shrouds and one of the 4 trapeze cables, doesn't really matter which - correct?

Cheers,
frasedaver, H16 (don't know the year)
Author:  rattle 'n hum [ Tue Sep 23, 2025 3:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: How prevent cables from snagging when stepping mast
srm wrote:
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.
sm


Thanks, srm...This is a great idea...first time I've heard it. In my experience, the trap wires are one of the fiddlier things to secure for trailering. Those wires and handles are also the most likely to get hung up and/or have the thimbles cocked up at the mast tang while stepping.

This should make trailering and stepping much easier and less problematic. Never too old to learn!
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