Tool / Contraption / Rigging to single-handedly raise mast

Hey steviethunder, do you have a pic of your tripod?

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'81 H16

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

Who needs a tool? As long as you can lift the mast, all you need is a piece of line to hold the mast upright until you can pin the forestay. Shackle the line to the bottom of the forestay , run it over the bridle and back near the step, raise the mast, pull the line tight and cleat on the downhaul cleat (of course, while holding the mast up!). Carefully hop off, pin the stay and remove the line. Cheap and easy! Dave

It all depends on how far away it gets from the mast tang. If it's too high and too close, you might start lifting the mast out of the step as it approaches vertical. On the other hand, if you mounted something 12ft high to your front bumper, it's so far away that it becomes less effective.

I'm not too sure why everyone makes this so hard: tie a line to a trap handle, run it under the bridle, hold it in you hand and step the mast from the tramp. Pull it tight and cleat it to the jib cleat. Jump down and throw in the forestay pin. All done!! If you aren't strong enough to lift the mast solo off the tramp, should you be rigging and then also sailing solo? I'm just saying...

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Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...


'02 Hobie Tiger USA 1152

thnaks for the added info about the winch thing.

I actually get on the tramp and lift the mast and start raising it by hand only actually using the winch to give me a hand.

so I wonder if I would still be doing damage to my hulls??

I only raise the mast 1 to 3 times a season as well.

an extender may still be a good idea, eh?


dale

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Dale Guthormsen

Where to be, On the Edge
2008 hobie 16

Thank you,

a great link, easy to build can use a hand winch or a power winch.


there should be stickies on this forum for such good information that so many people can use through all time!!


dale

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Dale Guthormsen

Where to be, On the Edge
2008 hobie 16

The only concern I have when stepping the mast w/o an aid is how much pressure I'm putting on my aftermarket mesh tramp. Walking up on it really pushes it down. I know guys have been doing it that way for eons and from the beginning, I just can't help but feel all that strain on the tramp isn't a good thing. I'm also after safety, I have two 8 y.o. daughters that are very pumped about sailing and I don't need a casualty, or two, nor do I want to risk ruining them on sailing even if it is just mast stepping.

Thanks a million, especially ChrisD. I made a similar rig or at least had the same idea, but my mast support is angled. I took a square piece of steel and attach it when needed and throw it in the trailer box when I don't. Gotta admit, I like yours a LOT.

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'81 H16

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

I'd like to take credit for the design but I found it some months ago and made the setup for my trailer. Liked it so much I stick the link in any chance I get. Credit goes to Ashafter who posted the pictures and description. cd

I just bought a Hobie 16 and have not yet had it out. I'll have to trailer it every time I want to sail so I'd like to have this mast stepping procedure down. I'll be pulling the trailer with a full size pickup with a cap. My plan is to simply attach a pulley or something similar to the Yakima crossbar I already have mounted toward the back of the cap and using that to step the mast. (Is that the proper terminology?) I am thinking I can run a line from the mast through that pulley on the top of the cap and then pull-in that line while I'm on the trampoline holding onto the mast while it is being raised. Does this make sense or am I missing something? I expect that I'll be able to secure the mast in place and continue to hold on to the line I've run through the pulley simultaneously because once the mast is in place there won't be that much tension on the line I used to raise the mast. Suggestions? Constructive criticism? Thanks in advance.

The easiest way to raise the the mast without spending hundreds of dollars is turn the boat around on the trailer. Yes, tow it back wards. You'll need to take the rudders off to tow but you should do that anyway. The other thing you"ll have to do is modify the mast cradle as it will now sit on the front beam. Tie a line to the halyard and run it under the bridle and back to the tramp. Raise the mast, hold it there with one hand while you pull the line tied to the halyard back to you. Pull it tight and wrap it aroud the base of the mast a couple times and tie a couple of hitches. Go clip the forestay, done. reverse it to take it down.
I see people bringing ladders,tripods,etc.

The only thing to be concerned about doing this way is, (there's always a drawback) IF, you drop the mast your tow vehicle is going to stop the fall. Three way to prevent that from happening. Unhook the car and pull it forward a bit. This is another advantage of this setup. The weight is on the tongue of the trailer so you can raise the mast without having to worry about the trailer tipping. Second is to add a padded bar to the mast cradle (strut) that sits on the tongue. This should be mounted as high as possible and is mounted at 90 degrees. The purpose is if the mast comes down it will hit the bar first. It needs to be wide enough to protect the car. About a three foot length should be good. The third way is simply take you time and don't screw up. Make sure your pins are in the stepping fitting right.

Have Fun!