Moderator: GreenLake
Champlaner wrote:Hi Joe,
I'm still struggling with a keel stepped mast as well. GreenLake (our ever-helpful forum moderator) has posted this link in other posts showing a contraption he inherited. https://forum.daysailer.org/greenlake/d ... ising.html
I haven't tried that yet since I was keeping the boat on the water all season and only had to step the mast once. This year my borrowed mooring at someone''s residence is on hold due to the shutdown, so I'm trying to devise a solution. I really want to keep sailing with the one-piece mast even though I don't race or anything like that.
One thing I did for inside the cuddy of my DSII was cut a piece of Schedule 40 (white) PVC 3" pipe (measured by I.D.) to serve as a guide down to the mast step casting. (I would still have trouble hitting the casting even after the mast was through the deck.) I had to cut a 5 degree angle at each end of the PVC (long to long) and got lucky with a wedge fit. The 3" internal diameter of the pipe is perfect for my casting; it even friction fits on the front and back ends of the casting. You could use 3" to 3" flexible pvc couplings at each end of the pipe if you want to avoid having to get the press fit by cutting. Anyway, I tried it for the first time this week and it worked pretty well. I had to shake the mast from side to side a little to get the last half-inch down onto the casting. So that helped some.
But getting the mast up there and through the partner is still insane. I can do it solo by footing the mast against the trailer tire (yeah, great), standing it up, jump onto boat via sheetrock bucket while holding mast with one hand, etc. I'm 6'1" and used to handling ladders but this way is still very challenging and dangerous to bystanders. I would love to have a removable version of the hinge GreenLake inherited, and I'm now wondering if something could be fashioned with the 3" pipe instead of the sheet metal shown. But the removable part is maybe asking too much. And you're right, the internet doesn't have many ideas on the subject--probably since Daysailers are about as large a boat as some can manage solo for keel stepping. Maybe if I find a boat launch with a forked tree branch and park so the partner (hole) is right under the fork, I could lean the mast in the fork and maintain the lean until the last inch or two. I'll be sure to post a "hold my beer" type video if I find the right spot! Good luck and happy sailing!!
--Nick.
GreenLake wrote:Joe,
I'm confused. Your question spoke of a hinged mast, but your follow-up seems to describe a keel stepped mast, that needs to be dropped through the hole (mast partners) in the deck. If it's the latter, then @champlaner pointed you to my document how to make raising a keel-stepped mast a snap.
Here are some photos of the contraption:
(Click to enlarge)
There are three essential parts to this.If you can secure a hinge firmly to a piece of large-diameter PVC pipe, that might work.
- A beefy support, to anchor it securely. This version sports an aluminum disk, which I've since found handy for mounting various fairleads on, but other solutions are in principle possible
- A sturdy hinge.
- And a sleeve that serves to hold the mast foot, but also guides it. This one has a wooden base to attach the hinge and to provide an offset necessitated by the hinge position.
Lifting the mast even a bit makes the foot engage in the "hole" (mast partners) and it will eventually drop in once the mast is vertical. I found that I do not need anything to prevent the mast from sliding along the sleeve while lifting it. I stand in the middle of the cockpit, lift the mast onto my shoulder first, then turn and push straight up while stepping over the thwarts.
Once vertical (and only then) the mast partners will allow the mast to be lowered, but only if close to the correct angle. Controlling the descent is relatively easy, as is keeping the mast upright. I almost prefer if the area is not flat but with slight tilt so the mast isn't fully vertical, but tipped back a bit relative to the horizontal.
@Champlaner: with a bit of practice I've gotten quite good at hitting my target (pin of my mast jack). If I miss, I bend down and take a peek to see which direction to correct. As long as the mast is that far down, it's not going to fall as easily and I don't need to be in the perfect stance or have my arms in the most advantageous position for controlling it, so I can take a quick look below. However, some "cup" like targeting guide would take the guess work out.
The write-up also includes notes on a tripod. If you are short or have shoulder problems, this lets you control a mast. Works for hinged masts, or keel-stepped masts with hinged sleeve. I prefer keeping up my strength as I can save a few minutes by not using the tripod, but it otherwise works as intended and I keep it around "in case".
Good luck!
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