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Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Raising & lowering mast

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tweeet65
1st Mate

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USA
55 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/26/2014 : 09:26:09

Two questions sailors:

I am concerned over the weight (mast) and size of block used with the a-frame. I sure don't want to drop the mast if the block fails.

Does anyone transport their boat with the mast lowered and supported but still attached at the step? Sure would make trailering easier at both ends.

Edited by - on

alfreddiaz
1st Mate

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USA
30 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 10:57:42

Could you elaborate? I don't think you can transport with the mast lowered and attached at the step. It sticks out a good 15 to 20 feet. And if you hit a bump and it started to oscillate, that could lead to major damage. Is that what you are intending?
Also, could you send a picture of your A frame? I use a gin pole. Am curious about A frames for the same purpose.

Thanks.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 11:27:10

Perhaps you intend to keep the boat on the hard at the Marina and not take it on the road?

Have you measured the height of the mast head from the roadway when it is down but attached to the mast base plate?

Paul

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 16:07:05

Just about half of the mast will be sticking out past the transom, If you do this could you take a video of it going down the highway and put it on U-Tube? This I would like to see.

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tweeet65
1st Mate

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USA
55 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 18:05:48

The a-frame I built was from YouTube video "how to raise and lower Cat 25 mast". Check it out and if u still want pictures I will take some. My idea is to keep tension on the a-frame and support the mast with yoke that attaches to the rudder guntles. And yes, to then take'r on the road. I haven't measured the height of the mast top from the road...hoping someone else is transporting thus.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 18:49:36

I would not do it!

Paul

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 19:40:46

quote:
Originally posted by tweeet65

The a-frame I built was from YouTube video "how to raise and lower Cat 25 mast". Check it out and if u still want pictures I will take some. My idea is to keep tension on the a-frame and support the mast with yoke that attaches to the rudder guntles. And yes, to then take'r on the road. I haven't measured the height of the mast top from the road...hoping someone else is transporting thus.

I think you'll find that no one else is, or ever has, done this. You'll not only be putting yourself and your boat at risk, but others on the road. De-stepping the mast after it's down only takes minutes, and another few to strap it down and brace it for towing.

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 19:45:39

It's not good. The bouncing would sure overload the step. The driver would not see the action and loose cables would wear what ever they could touch. The mast crutch would be overloaded

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9013 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 21:13:44

I'd say that will put stresses on the mast step for which it was not designed, create a large swing arc when you turn, and risk going through the windshield of a truck. Otherwise...

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2014 : 21:39:49

Speechless.

Edited by - on

worane
1st Mate

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Australia
36 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2014 : 05:09:54

This has to be April the first!
One only has to roll this around the brain for five seconds to work it out

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2014 : 05:53:23

Someone on this forum asked me why I just didn't leave the mast down while at my dock. Instead of lowering it and then raising it back up again. Simply put, too much of the mast is sticking out past the transom. I wouldn't leave my boat parked like that much less drive down the road.

It only takes a couple more steps to bring the mast forward on the boat after it's down.......

As to your concern about the block. I used a Ronstan Block, not sure of which one. But it was a block probably designed for 1/2" line. Ten years of use and probably over 1000 lowers and then raise back up again, no problems.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2014 : 06:15:50

For the A-frames I built, one using 2x4's and one a la DavyJ (much better and lighter), I used a 3" swivel block for 3/8" line. I have 2 available for sale if you are interested. I think one has a becket.
The reason I built the second one is that our big flood in 2010 carried off the first one which I had left in the storage area under the club house.

Edited by - on

Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2014 : 06:18:47

OK Let's not pile on the OP, they asked a question. This forum has a well-earned reputation for GENERALLY being courteous and helpful...perhaps those that doe trailer can offer specific examples of the blocking at 3points.

Stowing the mast for trailering should support both ends (pulpits) and the center. We used a coffee can and a towel to get the height right, though I was using that for winter storage, not bouncing down the road. A search on the site can likely bring up examples if not directly into this post.

As for the block, the actual weight is not huge, while leverage is a much larger component. I have heard of gin poles buckling, but never a block failure.

Edited by - on

tweeet65
1st Mate

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USA
55 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2014 : 09:06:02

Ok I am convinced! Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.
AD, do you need more info re the A- frame?

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5231 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2014 : 20:19:36

Note on supporting the mast on the bow pulpit and stern rail. You might want to get some hot-water pipe foam insulation to put between the 1" SS rail and the mast. You could also use a towel, but any way you do this, it would prevent scratching.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 09/28/2014 : 15:33:24

quote:
Originally posted by pastmember

Speechless.

Edited by - on

tweeet65
1st Mate

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USA
55 Posts

Response Posted - 09/30/2014 : 08:13:06

In terms of supporting, I notched a 2x4 to fit on the pulpit whith a carpeted"V" in the middle to cradle mast. I also love those " swim noodles" for padding on the rear pulpit. They are also great for padding if you lean back while sailing. Just cut to desired length and slit.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 09/30/2014 : 14:06:21

quote:
Originally posted by tweeet65

. . . In terms of supporting, I notched a 2x4 to fit on the pulpit whith a carpeted"V" in the middle to cradle mast . . .

I also have a vertical post in the mast step.

Good luck!

Edited by - on

Jan Briede
Navigator

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USA
162 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2014 : 06:49:39

quote:
Originally posted by Voyager

Note on supporting the mast on the bow pulpit and stern rail. You might want to get some hot-water pipe foam insulation to put between the 1" SS rail and the mast. You could also use a towel, but any way you do this, it would prevent scratching.

I made a small plywood platform that I fastened to the bow pulpit. I figured that would spread the weight of the mast somewhat. Actually very much like what OJ did in his pictures

Edited by - Jan Briede on 10/02/2014 06:51:52

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2014 : 07:28:06

FWIW, the bow pulpit support has no connecting hardware. The stern pulpit has two u-bolts with wing nuts. Center post in tabernacle uses stock bolt. Simple, effective, quick.

Edited by - OJ on 10/02/2014 07:29:18

pearson39b
1st Mate

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93 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2014 : 07:38:18

Pictures of the mast support at the pulpits are great. Thanks....<font face="Arial"></font id="Arial">

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2014 : 10:23:36

Great mast supports. We do similar on the bow pulpit , using 2x4's and bungee them to the pulpit along with a line over the mast secured to the jib snap shackle at the bow as a backup. For a mid-mast support at the mast step, some use a block of 4x4 with a V in the top and a hole in the bottom for the mast bolt. I made one using PVC pipe that works well: a 3" elbow at the bottom with a hole drilled through the side of it for the mast bolt, 2 1/2" vertical piece cut to fit, and another elbow at the top with the long section cut lengthwise to form a curved tray in which to lay the mast. works great.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9013 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2014 : 20:00:55

Hi Sailor Jerry... By using your e-mail address (I presume) as your ID, you've made it ripe for picking by spam-bot harvesters. I suggest you ask our [url="http://catalina-capri-25s.org/officers.asp"]Webmaster Paul [/url]to change your ID to something innocuous. We are set up so your registered address is hidden--messages can be sent to you without the sender knowing what it is.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 10/02/2014 20:20:48

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