I need to remove my aft chainplate for inspection/rebedding. I don't have a halyard long enough to reach the stern of the boat; what is the best way to hold the mast? I do have secondary running backstays for the staysail; will that be adequate to hold the mast while I remove the backstay and remove the chainplate? Also; is it OK to leave the jib furled onto the headstay while I remove/replace the aft chainplate?
The boat has a ~50' mast; and while I'm pretty sure that leaving the jib on the headstay and using the running-backs as support is OK; I just want to be sure there is something that I am not forgetting about before I proceed.
Ordinarily your lower aft shrouds will hold the stick up, running backs will be an extra measure of safety. Are you going to pull and check all the other chainplates too?
John
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John
SV Laurie Anne
1988 Brewer 40 Pilothouse
Yes; except maybe the headstay which is external and looks good. I'm only able to re-bed the aft lowers because the chainplates are trapped behind interior teak walls. There are doors to inspect them for leaks but no way to get them out without cutting or otherwise removing the wall. Those will wait until I can do a proper job of making access ports to get at the bolts.
Yeah; the lowers are probably fine to hold the mast; just wanted to be double sure before I go removing the backstay.
I was able to rebed my chainplates without removing them. It's a bit tedious but certainly possible - depending on how your chainplates pass through the deck.
Keel...you plan is fine. As an extra measure of safety I'd suggest taking your main halyard and your topping lift to stanchion bases or other strong points as far aft as they will reach.
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If you halyards won't reach the stern of the boat, you could always attach a line to your stern cleats then attach that line to the halyard to better support the mast.
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