Question on using a mast step assist device

[sitearch]

Hi All,

 

A year or so ago I asked for advice with stepping my main mast on my CS. Terry and Suzie K were the only ones to answer.Since then I built one but haven't been able to use it yet--still waiting for summer to come here in Alaska. As I prepare to install it on my boat I  wonder what keeps the mast from slipping right on through the pipe joint. The picture of Terry lifting it looks simple but I got to thinking as I built mine how does the mast stays in as I rotate the mast and then drop it into the step? 

Any help on this? 

 

Oh yeah, I moved my main to the middle step as designed by Graham and have added a small jib with boom so it is self tacking. I have attached a copy of the assist device that Suzie made. Mine is similar to the photo. I also attached a photo of the assist that Terry used.

 

I am almost ready to sail....summer is coming.

Bob ClaytonCS hull 199 First AttemptEagle River, Alaska

 

[sitearch]

I forgot to add a picture of Terry Dunn using his mast assist device in my post above. Maybe Terry will read this and help me out.

 

I just don't see how the mast stays in place as you lift it to place it in step.

 

Anyway, thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

Bob

 

[Hirilonde]

When you first start raising the mast there is no force towards going through the pipe.  By the time the mast is angled up enough to start to overcome the friction against the pipe and start slipping it is easy to hold up and for  you to keep it from slipping through.

[Terry Dunn]

Bob,

 

Dave's explanation is correct. The picture of m helper is the first I made. I made one a bit taller, more like the picture you included of Suzie's, which I am still using.  Suzie's look better made than mine.

 

It was too easy to pull the mast out of the shorter mast step helper by mistake. When reaching the point of downward force one can rest the foot of the mast on the device prior to putting the mast in the hole.

 

My cat ketch masts are 22'. I suspect your CS 17 mast is a bit shorter. I am in the process of trying a balanced lug method. Got sidelined for a year and a half but back at it now. Those masts are 16'. They are easier to step but not a lot different with the helpers than the 22' masts.

[sitearch]

Thank you Terry and Hirilonde. I appreciate it. I will be stepping the mast next week for my first time using the assist device.

 

Happy sailing.

 

Bob

[dolfin47]

I took a different approach to making it easier to step the forward mast in the mast tube  by installing a mast tube that extends about 4 inches above the fordeck with the aft 1/2 cut away from top of the tube to the deck (see attached photo).  From the cockpit I insert the mast base in the above deck part of the tube & simply walk it forward until it slips down into the tube.  Its much easier stepping, but un-stepping still is problematic, so I added a 1/2 sphere to the base of the mast to help hold the mast base in the above deck part of the tube.  My fordeck also has non-slip added to the varnish so I don't slip.  Splash water also stays out of the mast tube (although the tube bottom has a drain through the foreward compartment into the cockpit .  I still plan to replace my heavy 21 lb. aluminum masts with carbon fiber ones.   Does anyone know which New England carbon fiber mast fabricator has already engineered them for a CS 17  with regular 4 oz. dacron sail cloth?   Both my masts are about 1 ft. longer that the plans specify.     CS 17 # 307  OSPREY sailing on Nantucket & Pamlico Sounds.

[ecgossett]

Norm you need to talk to Hal Spars.

 

Nice job on the mast step, thats a good idea. Usually for me the harder part is breaking the seal and pulling it out.

[MisterMoon]

Norm you need to talk to Hal Spars.

 

Nice job on the mast step, thats a good idea. Usually for me the harder part is breaking the seal and pulling it out.

 

My boat has a little copper drain line that goes into the bottom of the mast step. I also sprayed it with McLube every so often and it's easy to pull. I personally don't don't see much need in an assistance device. The rig isn't all that heavy and hard to set or pull. 

[Greg Luckett]

How about something similar to what is used on the Princess Sharpie 22?

[makenmend]

How about something similar to what is used on the Princess Sharpie 22?

If it would be possible to retro fit my CS 17 I surely would, I have added a similar set up to post#6 and it really helps but that final transition whilst having the mast partialy raised and trying to step up onto the foredeck is dicey for this Ol fart.

 

MM

[Dnjost]

this is common on a few Bolger boats .  over / under tabernacle.  Might look out of place on the CS 17, but worth at least an experiment or two.  Rather than a Mast tube, I would think a square box to receive the mast with the over/under boards glued and screwed may do the trick and prevent the mast from sticking on retrieval as well.  

 

apologies to all for not getting further on my own boat, long work hours / weather has hampered progress. 

 

 

[Dale Niemann]

I agree totally with MisterMoon as quoted below. The only difference is my 'Lively' has a hollow mast drain tube made of epoxy to drain outside the hull.  I was made by plastic tube which was then pulled out.

 

dale

 

"My boat has a little copper drain line that goes into the bottom of the mast step. I also sprayed it with McLube every so often and it's easy to pull. I personally don't don't see much need in an assistance device. The rig isn't all that heavy and hard to set or pull."

[sitearch]

Hey thanks to you all.

 

I have already been out and tested my new assist and it works just fine. I can step the mast so much easier now and I feel much safer with the help. I added a small wooden piece on the deck so that I can rest the mast on it when the weight shifts as I lift it.

 

What a nice idea. Thank you.

 

I am ready to go now.

 

Happy sailing.

 

Bob Clayton

Eagle River, Alaska