Mast lowering with Getaway Stepper

I've not been able to lower the mast solo while using the getaway stepper system. The problem I'm having is that the mast won't start down on its own with slack provided from the winch. I'm afraid to get on the tramp to push the mast to get it started without someone standing by the winch (yes, it supposedly locks, but I don't trust it). I've tried lifting the pole but I am afraid to put torque on the support plate. Anyone else have this problem, how did you resolve it? Fortunately, I've found passersbye who were willing to uncrank while I stood on the tramp.

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

Do you have a trailer jack?

Sounds like your trailer or boat on the trailer is low in the front.

Jack it enough to slope the boat back enough that the mast will begin falling on its own.
You might be able to do this while the trailer is still attached to the tow vehicle if its a small one, or you may need to pop the hitch coupler.

If that works you might want invest in a taller hitch.

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2004 Getaway with wings

I never would have thought of that. I'll give it a try.

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

Another idea is using the main Halyard or a trap line (not sure if those are used with the stepper system) to put some aft tension on the rig.

If using the Halyard you can attach it to the tramp lacing as far aft as you can and then snug it up on the cleat.
Using the Halyard or a trap line you can attach it to the the main sheet to put a bit of aft tension on the rig.

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2004 Getaway with wings

I had thought of something similar, but the main halyard is being used for athwartships mast stability. I did think I could wrap a line around one or both shrouds and tension with the mainsheet (or just tug with a separate line to get it started moving), but gravity use like your original post is simpler so I'll try that first--especially since the winch and the trailer jack are right there in the one spot that I have to be at anyway.

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

You can also buy a new hitch bar with a greater rise (or flip over your current one) to the trailer is level or slightly higher in the front.

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2001 H18 w/SX wings & spinnaker #16740 (purchased new)
1989 H18 w/SX wings #14565 (purchased new, sold 2000)
Would buy another if Hobie would build it.

I will try the jack first. If that works, the simplest thing to do is raise the front float bunk by an inch or two.

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

Can you take/post some photos of the Stepper rig set up on your boat.
I am very curious how complex it really is.

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2004 Getaway with wings

I will do so. But it is not that complicated. Here's a link to show the pieces

http://static.hobiecat.com/web_uploads/ ... 7/3156.pdf
http://static.hobiecat.com/web_uploads/2014/11/07/3156.pdf

The system essentially attaches a pole to the base of the mast. The pole is held vertical by two side straps attached to fittings screwed into one of the spare screw holes on either of the getaway beam ends. From those same fittings, a line from each is attached to a slug which you insert into the mast track. You use the main halyard to pull the slug up the mast and tension with the halyard so the lines are taut. This prevents the mast from swaying out of column on the way up. Finally, you attach the forestay/jib to the top of the pole and attach the winch line also to the top of the pole. Winch in. The pole remains vertical which keeps the mast sideways so it won't pop off the ball on the way up.

You could build the system yourself if you can figure out a way to keep a pole from slipping off the curved mast. The way Hobie does it is to use a foot of half section of mast and bend a hook to capture the mast track; then they welded a small pipe stub to that plate so it is vertical. Hobie doesn't ask a lot of $$ for the system, tho, so why reinvent it?

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

Thanks,
I believe I had seen that manual before and it was what had me thinking it was a bit complex.
It just looked like a lot of lines, knots and parts in general.

How much time do you think it takes you to install/set up the stepper rig before you are ready to begin cranking on the winch?

I had seen a system used in the past on a H18 and it seemed pretty simple.
However, the 18 mast stays in line through the whole stepping process and does not pivot.
It only used the trap lines as stabilizers and I dont recall it even having a Gin pole.
It had some kind of roller thing up on the mast holder that the winch line ran through.

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2004 Getaway with wings

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

Takes about ten minutes assuming nothing got tangled between uses. Takes another 5 minutes to take it off the boat. I have added some refinements to make it faster, such as snap shackles instead of bow shackles. I also use the cunningham to tension the halyard.

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

Once you get the initial line lengths set, you leave all the knots alone. I leave mine rigged, so all I have to do is set the mast on the ball, attach the gin pole, hoist (horizontally...) the bridal, attach the winch and crank.

Do you maybe have the athwart lines very very tight? That could hold the mast forward maybe? I've never had the problem you describe.
How much rake do you have? My mast is not raked very much, because I think it makes tacking easier. But it still has some rake so it lowers when I winch it down.

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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

My mast is raked a bunch--When going to weather the mainsheet is two blocked. I think the issue is the area where I lower the mast. The wind (15 kts) is from behind and there is a small downward angle. Next time I'm out I'll see if I can raise the front of the boat to make the mast fall back. I hope to do this tomorrow, so I expect to post a video of the mast raising; if I remember, I'll try to video the lowering as well. I do have crew, though, for tomorrow, so ...

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