stepping a mast

OK, I am not exactly young, & have had back problems in times past, how hard is it to step a H16 mast ? how much does the mast weigh ? Can the mast be handled by 1 person ? (could ask my wife,,maybe not !)
looking for a H16 for beach sailing. Want to know what I am getting into before I buy a boat. Should I look for something else or forget the crazy idea ?

If you can lift a 5 gallon bottle of drinking water, you can solo step the mast of an H16 . . .and I'm 60 with a bad back too. If you live in the Los Angeles area, you've got plenty of help.

Happy Sailing,

David

yea the H16 can be done with one if done properly, in the H16 rigging video our very own Matt Miller shows you how to step it solo. what part of the country are you in, maybe we can find someone close but to show you how to do it.

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Brad Stephens
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I live in Birmingham Al, go to beach at Ft Morgan Al

I have a lot of customers in your area I know they are working on getting some wave racing in your area too. If you can make it to Panama City Beach I would me more than happy to show you how to rig a H16 solo.

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Brad Stephens
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How much does the mast weigh ?

I have no clue, kinda hard to get a weight its sorta long, I think it feel heavier than it is

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Brad Stephens
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. . . . . . plus, you wont have to lift the entire weight of the mast when stepping it anyway.

Depending on how you do it, you actually have to lift/push MORE than the weight of the mast (hooray for levers!).

If I had to guess, the 16's mast weighs around 25 lbs - but the real issue is the fact that the 25 lbs is spread out over 26.5 feet.

With a bad back or low-strength, I'd say one of the mast-raising systems like the EZ-Stepper that use a winch and optional gin-pole would be the best bet.

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Tim
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I got one of the EZ Steppers. Put it on and wich it up and winch it down when done. You can also use the main sheet if its off the trailer.

No heavy lifting at all!

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It's such a fine line between stupid and clever.

86 H16

I got the one with the pole you attach to the mast.. The lines that attach to the trap wires will go arount the front corners of the tramp/crossbar, not around the hulls like the instructions will say.

_________________
It's such a fine line between stupid and clever.

86 H16

that other guy was right; it's not the weight of the mast, but the torque you'll have to apply to raise it. the torque depends on the weight, of course, but also where you apply the force with which you lift. i don't think it's as simple as lifting a five gal bucket of water, and i'm 28, and can deadlift about 300 lbs.

it's not that bad, but we should be realistic. there are ways, i guess, of doing it with mechanical or human help, but i was happy to find i could do it on my own without anyone else around, or without buying any more damned accessories.

My response was only relating to the amount of strength required to step the H16 mast solo. I've seen guys a lot smaller than I step a H16 mast solo. That's what encouraged me. I created nothing new. My point was that if "kissmysails" had the strength to lift a 5 gallon water container, then he should have the strength to step a mast solo. Kissmysails said that he had problems with his back in past times. Well, I'm having problems with mine right now and I can still step the mast solo. I'm sure that everyone has their own technique but it can still be done without complications. I once said to someone on this forum, "don't tell me that something is a piece of cake unless I cannot fail at it." Considering that you have the stepping pin in the base of the mast; the shrouds are connected to the shroud adjuster; you position the shrouds so they wont get caught on the rear crossbar on the way up; you don't trip on something on the tramp (always make sure it's clear);you have some system in place that will hold the mast forward once it's vertical and last but not least; you have the strength to lift a 5 gallon water container, you will not fail. Once you get the mast past the first 45 degrees of elevation, it is a piece of cake.

Happy Sailing,

David