Mast Stepping Kits for H16 - Recommendations?

I too raise the mast solo in much the same way Howard stated. The only difference is that I run the line that is tied off to the halyard through a pully that is attached to the mast cradle on my trailor. I can then cleat the line off to the mast once it is raised, jump off the boat, and then attach the forestay.
As long as you have the muscle power, you should be able to do this. Just go slow and make sure everything is set up properly. I hate getting something tangled on a rudder or corner casting as I am raising the mast. It's a pain with help, it's a pain in the a$$ without it.
I'll try to take pictures the next time I go to the lake (week after next probably).

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

So I am opening myself up to ridicule here, but here goes:

I recently upgraded my jib cleats from the old "Damnit why wont these release I'm about to go over.....S**t!" ones to low profile up release cleats. So I took one of the old cleats and attached it to the the foot of my trailer mast support with the intention of being able to run the halyard line extension through the pully and through the jaws so I can stand on the tramp and pull with the ability to release it and hold in position at any point in the raising process via the now potentially useful old cleats.

Will try it this weekend BTW anyone got a spare mast for when I find this will not work? LOL

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1985 Prindle 16

That should be fine I'm sure. But, remember that the mast will not be supported by the shrouds unless the mast is fully raised. Unless you also figure out a way to keep tension on the shrouds, I would't let go of the mast until it was up fully and cleated off.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

That is a true and astute statement James

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1985 Prindle 16

Dave,

I'll try to get a couple of pictures to send you or post here. i also use a tripod that I made from 3 old aluminum tent poles to hold the mast up before I raise it. That keeps the mast off the traveler track which would damage it or the mast. I put the tripod about 10' back from the rear of the tramp.

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Howard

I've never had the problem with the hinge not toggling. It just seems to naturally line up. I have had some problems in a serious side wind though.

My focus on using all the winch stuff is so that I won't over stress my after-market mesh tramp (sorry matt! I'll know better next time...).

But it does seems like most folks walk up the tramp in some fashion while stepping. Am I over concerned?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

This is what i use: