The Hunter 27's had a very heavy mast and rigging for a 27 footer. I would not think that you could lower the mast without a crane, or shore mounted sheer legs. At least around here, pulling a deck stepped mast isn't all that expensive.

Jeff

 

Thank you, Jeff, I will look into what options the marina offers.

 

I have done this a bunch and tried many methods. What I have settled on is using two 28-32 foot extension ladders. Fashion a bracket at the top joining both ladders into an a-frame. For me, I position the ladders on deck next to shrouds in front of the mast using padding to protect things. Using lots of lines, secure ladders in all directions. Raise ladders one step at a time adjusting lines as needed. Once up far enough hang a turning block and make a four or five part block and tackle. Run the tackle line through a deck block and over to the jib sheet winch. Hook the mast at the spreaders if above the pivot point. This system is rock solid and allows you to pause at any point to make adjustments. You will need a sober helper to guide the base while you do the winching. Using the block and tackle makes the load easy to handle. Picture enclosed and more pictures from Sailingthesanjuans.com We guessed this mast at over 200 lbs. I have done the same thing with a single ladder sitting on the ground instead of the deck. It required a longer ladder, and more lines and was a little shakey, but worked.

 

I have done this a bunch and tried many methods. What I have settled on is using two 28-32 foot extension ladders. Fashion a bracket at the top joining both ladders into an a-frame. For me, I position the ladders on deck next to shrouds in front of the mast using padding to protect things. Using lots of lines, secure ladders in all directions. Raise ladders one step at a time adjusting lines as needed. Once up far enough hang a turning block and make a four or five part block and tackle. Run the tackle line through a deck block and over to the jib sheet winch. Hook the mast at the spreaders if above the pivot point. This system is rock solid and allows you to pause at any point to make adjustments. You will need a sober helper to guide the base while you do the winching. Using the block and tackle makes the load easy to handle. Picture enclosed fromSailingthesanjuans.com View attachment 155390

I'd have been tempted to use the trees.

 

I was going to say it, but Jeff beat me too it. A 5 or 6 hour sail or motor sounds way easier (and possibly faster) than building an A frame to step a mast that size.

 

I cringed when I watched this. I don't recommend it, but it worked for them, a Pearson 36.

 

I'm so glad we didn't put anymore thought into unstepping the mast ourselves. My husband agreed to motor it to the next marina. After a 6 hour drive to the boat to meet the owner, he said it wasn't his boat, he was just helping a widowed friend sell it and hoped that the battery turned over to start the engine. It did not. We waited while he went to town and got a new battery. Still didn't start. The boat was a hot mess all around.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their comments and wisdom and advice. And on a side note, how much water in the bilge is ok? We have looked at so many boats now. Some are bone dry and others have at least a couple of inches or more. Is it more or less what a person is comfortable with?

 

Lifting a mast using the masts of two other sailboats...