Gin pole for my 16

I made a gin pole so I could raise the mast on my old 16 and have had a question or 2 about it.

Here's a link to a set of pictures I took of it in my side yard today.

Basically it's a 2x4 cut on one end to conform to the mast and the other end has a couple of u-bolts with shackles that connect the forestay and winch cable.

It connects to the mast with a strap clamp and has "anti-sway lines" to keep the mast in line and the pole upright during setup.

https://picasaweb.google.com/108261211615172031808/Hobie16GinPoleFlicks?authkey=Gv1sRgCLXby9moyPjDEA#

Better pictures will follow on a sunny day and away from the house.

Hope this hels someone...

Ed

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'76 Hobie 16

Thanks. I've considered making one before. I would not have thought about putting the side supports to avoid swinging sideways.

I don't plan to step the mast more than once a year though as my boat stays on the beach mast up all summer.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Lucky dog! I have to step and unstep every time out.

Ed

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'76 Hobie 16

I have looked at it a few times. Only one thing I would have done different and it's to put 2 eyes instead of a rod to secure the ratchet strap. Too paranoid that the rod will bend and that hooks will slip off, but I also have a tendancy to overtighten stuff. I bought 1200lbs rated ratchet straps at costo and just can't wait to use them.

As far as the boat on the beach, I happen to have a seasonal campsite with a waterfront lot.

Here's a few pics, first few are mine, the others are of my friend's on their Getaways. Hobie album

BTW we all get to stay mast up all summer.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Nice pictures. Thanks for posting them.

I thought about using eyes to hold the strap ends but already had the rod in the shop. I am careful to put the strap hooks as close as possible to the pole so the rod can't flex much. So far so good.

Ed

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'76 Hobie 16

My apologies but I don't understand all the hard work and issues everyone has with single handed mast stepping. I run a rope from my cleated Jib Halyard through a pulley on the mast storage pole on the trailer and run it back through one of the swivel cleats on the forward crossbar. I stand on the tramp and lift the mast just like I would as if I had someone helping me, grab the rope, pull it tight then cleat it, jump down and hook the forestay. I lower the jib Halyard and untie the rope. As long as I haven't caught a shroud or tramp line on a rudder or rear corner casting it takes about 2 minutes or less.
I keep reading about the effort that goes into stepping the mast and wonder if I'm extremely lucky or missing something.


Ignorance is bliss????

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1999 Hobie 20, Sail #1005
2001 Hobie 16, "Spirit of 76 sails" #18515. Sold
1981 Hobie 18, Dead!

If you can do it, great, I think for me being 51 now, any mechanical device removing my back/shoulder from the equation is a plus. There is a bit of a safety factor too, I was lifting my 18 mast once and tripped on something on the tramp and ALMOST had a big disaster on my hands. A strong (but then pulled) muscle saved the day. McGyver it if you can, I say!

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H18, H17 & Various motor boats

Yeah. I remember when I was in shape to lift the mast single handedly but that was before I had quadruple bypasses and turned 67!

This is why this somebody needs help getting the mast up.

Ed

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'76 Hobie 16