Singlehanded mast stepping on a Catalina 250

[RhythmDoctor]

In case anyone is interested in seeing how this is done, I captured the process for lowering my mast on video this year:

[kwaltersmi]

I used a very similar technique back when we had a Helms 25, though my gin pole wasn't as fancy as yours and I used blocks and cockpit sheet winches instead of a gin-pole-mounted hand winch. The details of my mast stepping process are here.

[skygazer]

Originally Posted by RhythmDoctor

In case anyone is interested in seeing how this is done, I captured the process for lowering my mast on video this year:

Thank you, I was quite interested to see your method. And thanks for doing the detailed close ups of the various parts.

The only part I wasn't sure of was the attachment of the gin pole to the mast. Did you undo the nuts, and then bolt on the U shaped piece to get it on and off the mast?

[RhythmDoctor]

Originally Posted by skygazer

...The only part I wasn't sure of was the attachment of the gin pole to the mast. Did you undo the nuts, and then bolt on the U shaped piece to get it on and off the mast?

Yes, that's exactly what I do. I edited most of that out of the video. Here's a better pic of the attachment:

I have a more complete description on the Catalina user group.

[skygazer]

I read the Catalina discussion with interest. The added detail and discussion was helpful. It's great to be able to step/unstep the mast yourself whenever needed.

Have you tarped it over yet? I'm curious how well the tarp will fit over the sawhorse and spreaders. I'm assuming you tarped it last year, but I hope you'll check that the snow load can't put pressure on the spreaders. I imagine you could put some "rafters" there if necessary. Here in Maine snow is a big consideration for almost everything!

Thanks again for sharing your solutions.

[RhythmDoctor]

Originally Posted by skygazer

...Have you tarped it over yet? I'm curious how well the tarp will fit over the sawhorse and spreaders. I'm assuming you tarped it last year, but I hope you'll check that the snow load can't put pressure on the spreaders. I imagine you could put some "rafters" there if necessary. Here in Maine snow is a big consideration for almost everything!...

We don't get as much snow as you do. We did make it through a ~2-3' snow storm last season with minimal problems. I did go down to knock the snow off the covers before it hardened, but no damage was done from accumulation.

There's a PVC support that goes into the mast step to support the middle of the mast and prevent it from buckling (barely visible at the end of the video). I also have some additional PVC pipe supports that make a gable forward of the mast step. All of this, plus the slopes off of the sawhorse, keep water and snow from accumulating.

It's worked fine so far. Nothing is perfect, which is why I make the 12 minute drive the check on it periodically.

[GaryHLucas]

Interesting video and nicely done. I took down the mast on my Etap 26 using a somewhat different method. This may work as well for others.
I made an A frame from two 2x4s connected together by a large T hinge.
I drilled a large hole in each 2x4 at the other end for lashing ropes. I stood the A frame on deck and lashed it to the stanchion bases. Then I use a piece of chain and two shackles to tie the hinge to the bow fitting. A piece of rope pulled the A frame aft so it couldn't flop forward. I then looped a line over the spreaders and used my mainsheet block attached to the large hinge at the top to connect to that line. I then disconnected the shrouds and forestay and lowered away. I didn't need any stabilizing lines because the top of the A frame is high above the mast step, centered, and doesn't move. My mast is pretty heavy, I can't lift it by myself. Once it was down on deck I pulled the pin at the mast step. Then I used the A frame to lift and pull the mast forward to the bow. It passed through the legs of the A frame and I used the mainsheet to hoist it clear of the bow pulpit. The total cost was about about $20 for the 2x4, hinge and a couple of shackles to use with my anchor chain.

Gary H. Lucas

[RhythmDoctor]

Originally Posted by skygazer

...Have you tarped it over yet? I'm curious how well the tarp will fit over the sawhorse and spreaders. I'm assuming you tarped it last year, but I hope you'll check that the snow load can't put pressure on the spreaders. I imagine you could put some "rafters" there if necessary. Here in Maine snow is a big consideration for almost everything!

I put the tarps on today.

I improved my PVC pipe structure this year to provide a sharper "gable" along the bow (for better drainage).Here are some pics:

[skygazer]

I like it!

The PVC gives a much better drainage and "snow shape" to the tarp. Looks good.