Cliff wrote:... it seems to be getting heavier as I age.
there you go then, that's the explanation.
I find that the mast gets lighter at the end of the season. Wonder why that is?
A few years in to my tenure with my boat, I had a season or two that were rather short. I don't recall any injury or back problems, so probably just lack of practice. Anyway, I was motivated to tinker.
I came up with a simple A frame tripod the legs of which could be attached to the chainplates and stemhead with quick-release pins. Equipped with a hardware store purchase clipped to the mast ring, it could effortlessly lift the mast upright.
Once upright, releasing the purchase would drop the mast through the partners on to the mast step on the keelson in a controlled way.
(I use a simple contraption that holds the mast foot above the partners while the mast swings up, but allows it to drop, once vertical).
I proved to my satisfaction that it works as intended and used it a few times before I realized I didn't really need it. It came out of storage several years later when I did have an injury. More as insurance.
But it is there, if I need it, and there may be a time when I get up in age where having that simple device will let me sail for an extra season or two. Who knows.
Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 1:59 pm