by Guest » Thu Feb 04, 1999 1:00 am
I have an old DS1 with a 25' mast that is keel stepped.
The old scottish fellow I purchased it from, stepped the mast by himself and after a bit of practise I found out it's a matter of balance, just like tossing the caberrrr.
Helps if you have a low trailer.
Pick up the mast midpoint while standing on the cuddy forward of the cuddy mast hole, move hands up the mast until the butt end gently touches the ground. slide hands down mast pulling in with the bottom hand until the mast is upright on the ground directly port or starboard of the cuddy mast hole. Lift the mast straight up keeping it vertical and place it on the deck. Wait a few seconds then lift again, keeping the balance, and pop it in the hole down to the keel. At this point if you are lucky the mast will slide over the pin on the keel. If not, go below and guide it on from there. The mast will stay upright even if not on the pin until you get under the cuddy.
To remove it, stand on the cuddy, pull up with both hands on the mast with enough force to lift the mast to just clear of the hole, then let the mast fall. As it starts to fall, quickly, slide hands to midpoint of mast so the end does not crash into the ground. Make sure there are no boats or people where the end of the mast will fall, just in case. I am 5' 8 and the previous owner was even shorter. Only once did I have a problem while removing it. I did not move my hands quick enough to the midpoint and the mast hit the ground, but not hard enough to cause any damage.
I posted a previous message "DS1" and wondering if anyone will respond.
James Gibson (jamesgibson-at-canoemail.com)