DaySailer.org Forum

Has anyone devised a simple and safe way for one person to raise and lower the mast singlehandedly? I have a Spindrift DS without the hinge but with a bracket on the deck and a corresponding pin on the mast. There are some systems using an A frame concept but it's a bit overkill for the DS. Thanks, Joe

I have a DS II without a tabernacle. I do all of my sailing solo and have always raised the mast singlehanded. I start with all shrouds disconnected and put the bottom of the mast a few feet into the cuddy. Then, I climb into the boat and lift the mast using the inside roof of the cuddy to hold down the end of the mast. When it is vertical, I lift the mast vertically over the roof of the cuddy and slide it down into the hole in the cuddy roof. The biggest problem I have ever had is blindly "hunting" for the mast step fitting. I have never dropped it but I would be the first to admit that a tabernacle would make life much easier.

I wouldn't call it simple, you need to set it up. Take a look at this Gin Pole. It allows you to raise a mast real easy.

http://www.sailsaratoga.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=337813&module_id=67958

On my DS II, raising the mast alone was accomplished with the shrouds port and starboard always attached, slide the mast back so that the rear pin lines up in the tabernacle, and insert it. This task is easier if you can rest the back of the mast in a mast support through the gudgeons.
Attach a 3 foot line between the head end of the jib halyard (where it usually attaches to the sail) and the stemhead, and grasp the other end of the halyard tail in one hand taking up the slack, as you walk the mast up with the other hand.
When it is upright, cleat the halyard, (which will hold the mast in place), insert the forward tabernacle pin, and go to the bow and attach the forestay to the stemhead. Release the halyard and remove the short bit of line you used to extend it. If you only have one pin, it should act as a hinge, so you don't have to worry about a second pin.

Your responses are appreciated. This is my 4th DS, and I consider them the best all-around boats ever made. I've never dropped the mast on one, (did on a Hobie) but those big steps between the bottom of the boat to the cuddy top become a whole lot more difficult as the years go by. Keep the ideas coming, and if one works well for me I'll put it on the forum for other senior DS'ers.

I concur with your comment about the "big step" from the bottom to the roof of the cuddy. I think that distance increases by about an inch every year! Thankfully, about a year ago I moved the boat to a marina where I keep her on the trailer with the mast stepped all the time. About a month ago I replaced my standing rigging so I had to un-step the mast. I had forgotten how much fun that is!

It is a bit tricky, but stepping a keel stepped mast isn't that tough.
The main thing to remember is while the mast is vertical not to let it get out of column. Unless you are holding it above the center of gravity. Figure out where the center of gravity on your mast is (put a mark on the mast if you need to) and handle it so you don't hold it very far with both hands below that point. With two people it's a snap, but a little disconcerting the first few times.

I maintain that cutting the mast and putting a tabernacle in will slow the boat down significantly and once you cut a mast it can't be undone.

Before you cut, here are some alternatives.