by Guest » Thu Feb 18, 1999 1:00 am
I have a '67 DS with a 1 piece mast. I've had little trouble raising it with one assistant. Stand adjacent to the cuddy and have your assistant feed you the mast, top first while you "walk" your hands up the mast. The assistant holds the base of the mast and walks it into a vertical position adjacent to the boat, its easy to hold up at this point. Make sure the mast step is clear. Lift the mast over the hole in the cuddy and the assistant guides it to the proper position into the hole, and lower it down to the step. A little "foreward and back a bit" and it should seat properly. Attach shrouds, adjust tension, and ENJOY! Removal....it helps to twist the mast in place ot help free it from the step, after that pull it out, keep it vertical lower the butt to the ground (rubber floor mat for padding) and have the assistant walk the end of the mast to horizontal. I read of some daring soul who does this alone, I guess if your fast there is a "slim" chance of smashing the mast, but why risk it?
Barry (bfk-at-sdcity.org)