Mast Stepper 3

I step the mast by myself now. I attach the main halyard to the trailer winch strap, lift mast, pull tight and tie halyard off on mast cleat and attach jib forestay to drum furler on bridles.
The mast stepper 3 looks nifty but I have 2 concerns.

1, you raise the mast, trailer winch is holding the stepper pole down tight, when you detach the furler drum to reattach to the bridles I guess you better hold on tight as the only thing holding the mast up is the shock cord at the very bottom of the mast holding the bracket on for the stepper pole.

2, at this point the mast is sideways (sitting at 90 degres). after attaching the furler drum to the bridles you remove the stepper pole the forestay will be to loose when the mast straightens out.

Any thoughts on these 2 things? Thanks, Steve.

1) You attach the bridles to sides of the furler. The pole stays attached and attached to the winch until the bridles are attached.

2) Once the pole is removed, you then tighten a shroud to tension the rig.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Got it. Thanks Matt, Steve

I don't loosen the side shrouds. I raise the mast, then attach the port side bridle to the furler drum. Then I detach the port side stabilizing rope, detach the furler drum and winch strap from the gin pole, and let the gin pole swing to the starboard side (which straightens the mast). I then attach the starboard bridle to the furler drum. Done (except for taking off the gin pole).

_________________
Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

That makes sense. Thanks, Steve C.

I didn't bother with futzing with the shrouds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE9cmSGmXcM&t=35s

I also attached both furler drum guys prior to removing anything. I added a snap shackle to the bottom of the furler drum to make it quicker to rig the stepper.

I also replaced those tiny rings (which are PITA) with push type cotters. Yah, a little less secure, but the odds of BOTH falling off and losing the rig are slim and none.

I do miss how quick it was to get from trailer to sailing in the Getaway. Unfolding and rigging spinnakers on my current boat adds about an hour...

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II

I like the rear mast support off the trailer. Im always a little concerned with the mast taking up so much room in the parking lot & maybe someone driving into it, not to mention easier to handle. Steve C.