Shimming up the Mast

Domknotty · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011

I have a 26 Ranger with 30 foot thru Mast. I need to replace my half a wind indicator (thanks Mr. Pelican) and have always owned a boat small enough to step the mast by hand. This looks a little bit big for that so I was told my mast is plenty strong enough for me to use a climbers seat and be hauled up by the main halyard. Suggestions, warnings, anything would help because it is a long way to the deck AND I don't want to mess my boat up.

Bill
Milton, Florida
26 Ranger "Our Alibi"

mitiempo · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011

Use a safety line and tie any tools on so they can't fall. Best to tie the halyard onto the chair - don't trust a snapshackle. I have been up on boats as small as 25' without a problem.

blt2ski · #3 (**permalink**) 06-05-2011

If your winches are on the small side to have someone pull you up with them, you can also setup a 2 or 4-1 setup with the main halyard to ease the pull to the top. I did this recently with my boat, a 5-1?, used a#15 winch to pull me up. Works better than a 15 winch by itself. Or you can pull youself with a 4 or 5-1 setup too.

marty