Supporting the mast for storage

josrulz · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009

Hi all,
We're pulling our mast this winter so we can do some work on it and the boat that will be easier with it out, so at least this time it's the way to go. I did some searches and found some good info on mast "care" for storage on the hard, but not on supporting the mast on its side.

I know the mast needs to be properly supported, and was planning to bring out some saw horses or similar for it to rest on. Here are my questions:

- How close together should the horses be to keep the mast well-supported?

- Should I place something between the horses and the mast to protect/prevent scratches in the paint, etc? If so, what should that be--carpet scrap? Something else?

Thanks as always for your help!
-J

tommays · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009

3 is plenty even for the CAL 29 tree trunk

josrulz · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009

Thanks tommays. My mast is roughly 52-ish feet long, so I'm guessing I'll need more than three supports, though I could be wrong!

fordo · #4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009

3 or 4 should be enough for am aluminium mast. Before you put the mast on the horses make sure that the height lines up so the mast is in a straight line. If the horses are metal protect the mast with old towels or carpet scraps. The important thing is that the mast is straight!

josrulz · #5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordo

3 or 4 should be enough for am aluminium mast. Before you put the mast on the horses make sure that the height lines up so the mast is in a straight line. If the horses are metal protect the mast with old towels or carpet scraps. The important thing is that the mast is straight!

OK thanks for the tip. I don't know that I would've paid enough attention to it being straight, so I'll be sure to sight it and make sure it rests in a nice straight line.
Thanks!
-J

ezatsea · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2009

Yes, three or four are plenty. I had the stick from a Catalina 34 on three horses for about two years while I was refitting the boat. I kept the slot facing up by chocking it to the tops of the horses which I built to be just under chest-high so I could work on it handily.

14432 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009

Since you're in Maryland, you may want to elevate the masthead slightly so that water does not collect inside and freeze or pool. Or at least be sure the water can drain out some way.

captbillc · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009

i support my 44ft mast with 3 barrels with 2X4s & padding on the top of the barrels

josrulz · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009

OK thanks everyone. So the plan is 4 horses, with the mast in a straight line, but slightly inclined (this is doable because the ground isn't flat anyway) so water drains out the bottom. Good call on that one.
Thanks again!
-J