Mast Stepping Qs and Tricks

I recently added a downhaul copied from a picture posted on this BB. It is a 5:1 with two double blocks, a SS hook Hobie sells for the Wave sheet block and a single block with a cam cleat to lock in the line once it is adjusted. It isn't necessary, but it has proved fast and useful for adjusting the sail when the wind changes.

I'm wondering if I could also use the downhaul to keep the mast in the correct position while stepping it. My idea is to run the hook to a rope loop attached to the forward right wing mount while stepping the mast in order to keep the mast properly oriented while I lift it. I find that the tendancy of the mast to rotate out of position as it is being stepped makes the lift more difficult, particularly when it is windy.

One trick I already use to improve solo stepping is to rotate our Cheata motor mount to the full vertical position (without the motor) and bungee the mast cradle to it. I then place the mast on the raised cradle which lifts it nearly three feet off the tramp. I find it much easier to start lifting from this position than to have to raise the mast directly from the tramp. I suspect this would also help with a solo stepping rig as the first few feet of the lift are by far the hardest on the winch due to the angles involved.

One word of caution; I mounted an eye bolt to the bottom of the peice of wood on the motor mount and have a bungee cord running from it to the tramp lacing. Without something to secure the mont in the vertical position it could easily drop back to the horizontal setting, dumping the mast on the rear cross bar with unfortunate consequences. I originally did this to secure the mount while we tow the boat, then discovered that it helps with stepping the mast.

Has anyone tried running bungee cords from the forward wing mounts to the side stays to tension them while lifting the mast? Is this likely to reduce the tendancy of the mast to fall off to one side or the other on windy days? Would this increase the tendancy of the mast to rotate before the base can clear the bolt under the ball mount.

I will test these ideas when I get a chance. For know I would appreciate any ideas or experiences others care to share as I prefer to avoid expensive mistakes if others have already discovered.

I suppose I could simply buy the solo stepping rig, but figuring out how to do it with the equipment already on the boat is more fun.

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Winging It
2007 Getaway

Using the downhaul clipped to the right bungee padeye kept the mast properly oriented while we stepped and lowered it. Having the mast anchored to one side makes both operations easier.

Running bungee cords to the sidestays kept everything a bit neater, but it didn't reduce the mast sway.

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Winging It
2007 Getaway

Thats a really good idea using a cheata mount to raise the mast the first few feet, since thats the hardest part.

I know alot of people complain about having to step the mast sideways, but I think it is actaully a good idea. Someone pointed out the fact that (which is true) that the mast naturally sits sideways, and having it straight would crush the sail track on the rear crossbar. Plus, it's easier on the hands, having a flat surface to push up, as opposed to having to push the mast up straight. Pushing the mast straight up would require a person to push on the pointy sailtrack, which wouldn't be too comfortable.

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Sail.fast

470, 08 Getaway