lifting the mast

[jasonlambert]

wow and oww i raised the mast for the first time on ermintrude it took 3 of us and a very sore shoulder and very bruised arm but we did it does any one have an easier method am gonna try this one ( http://silhouette-misty.blogspot.com/20 ... it-up.html ) but im open to sugestions this one seems a little easier to stow than the normal 'a' frame method all suggstions welcome jason

[Mike Brown]

What was the length of your mast and was it wooden. Keen to look at options as I have a 24ft Eventide that has an 8.8 metre wooden mast. Boat is out of water for refit at the moment and at some stage will have the task of raising that mast. Let me know how you go if you do use that new option.
Cheers
Mike

[jasonlambert]

hi mike it is an aluminium mast (35 feet long/high) have used this method now and works ok the length of my fulcrum was 6 foot 6 and used the genoa and jib halyards and used the 4 pulleys from the boom fastened to the top of the fulcrum and the jib wire anchor point will be putting some pics up on here in the next few days one person should be able to raise and lower the mast but needs 2 of us to get the mast in position to get the pivot bolt in. am thinking of designing another pulley system using main sheet to make it a one man job

[Mike Brown]

Hi Jason

Thanks for your reply. If you could send me measurements and diagrams of how you achieved the lift I would be most appreciated as this task is ahead of me some time soon.
traditionalboat@slingshot.co.nz

Please eep in touch
Kind regards
Mike

[Fiddler's Green]

http://www.eventides.org.uk/Mast%20lower.htm

Hi Mike, if you copy and past the above link in to your browser you will find it again, it is on the hints and Tips page of the main site, with all the pics etc!

I used it every spring to hoist our mast with all the rigging on it, I will admit it is easier in the autumn with a mast stripped of most of the halyards in the sutumn, but then we do have gravity on our side too!

Our spar is 33ft long....6"x4" ali.

Hope this helps,
Regards,
John

[jasonlambert]

have used the above method a few times now really easy to do unfortunately last thing on my mind is taking pictures. i will try to take some this season hopefully.

[Eventide Owners Group]

Recall when I had an Eventide 24 with wooden mast I used a pole made up from 2 lengths of galvanized water pipe, about 1 & 1/4 " diameter, heavy and solid... I tied a pair of guy ropes sideways from the top end to the chainplates to stop it wobbling sideways. The inboard end had an 1 & 1/2" angle iron welded to the pipe with a hole to match the pivot bolt on the tablernacle, removed nut from pivot bolt and fitted pole, used mainsheet on the other end. Only problem was there was no athwartships support for the mast, so 2 people held the mast to stop it swinging sideways and creatinging strains on the tabernackle. Raising and lowering was easy.

On later Eventide 26 I made chainplate extensions to make the bottle screws lineup with the tabernackle pivot bolt, so the topmast shrouds could always have a little tension on them to prevent the mast swaying sideways, works a dream.

Must say the heavy galvnised poles were clumsy to stow and had a few sharp edges.... the new s/s poles, though more complex, as it is a dismantlable A frame, the bits are lighter and easier to stow!

If you really are clever you incorporate the A Frame into the top of the pulpit!

Regards,
John

[Mike Brown]

Hi Jason
Thanks for your reply and info. Yes, enjoy that sailing season when you can. At some stage when you have time and are able to take some photos that would be great. I have made contact with Howard from the Misty blog and he has offered some valuable info as well. I still have my yacht on the dry but will be working on this system for my mast. Thanks again and keep in touch

Kind regards
Mike
New Zealand