I'm very sorry for this question but I want to put my hog stepped mast up without massive damage. The boat is currently on the road trailer. Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks,

John

Better on launching trolley as usually lower.  Basically stand level with the mast foot, hold the mast upright by side of boat, grasp with both hands about a yard apart and lift mast (still vertical) onto mast foot and into slot in foredeck.  If another person is available, have them on opposite side of boat, get them to help guide mast into deck slot and then fix the forestay and the strut / puller.  Put the shrouds on last.

Thank you for the advice. Unfortunately I am both vertically and physically challenged but I managed to screw a couple of blocks to the wall and support it that way. After dropping the nose of the trailer on the floor.

Next issue the shrouds appear to be about 6” short of the of the adjustable quadrants mounted on the inside of the hull. Is this the wrong mast or am I missing something.

Thanks,
John

It is more a question of balance than of strength, and in general better just to have one person actually lifting the mast since then you can better feel what it's doing; Two people lifting tend to be working against each other, but it can help to have someone guide the foot of the mast into the slot on the hog.  Close the mast gate, and be attentive until the forestay is fitted. To get it vertical before the lift, and again when removing it, you can jam the mast foot against the trailor or trolley wheel, and walk it up/down.

Thanks,

I thought the shrouds would come straight down to the adjusters on the hull as per link http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/view_photo.asp?folder=gallery/rigging_guide/2957&file=2957_inside_from_bow.jpg however they don't reach. Have I got it wrong?


Thanks,


John

A better picture here

http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/view_photo.asp?folder=gallery/rigging_guide/2957&file=2957_kicker.jpg

Thanks

I see now. More backwards lean on the mast and the shrouds fit. Thanks for the help. John

My main halyard is a rope is that normal or would it normally be a cable ?

Thanks, John

Rope or wire are standard. Rope is easier to handle

Are your shrouds fitted OK now?

I feel underconfident lifting ally masts vertically if there is any wind!
When I step mine the procedure is:
1. Tie knot in spinnaker halyard at sheave box on mast foot
2. Crew takes other end of spinnaker halyard and stands 2m ahead of the bow
3. Stick old jumper/sailbag into bottom of boat by mast step
4. Lift mast horizontally and push the foot into the jumper/sailbag
5. Crew hauls away until mast touches gate (mast swings around a bit)
6. I lift mast so foot goes into step properly and yell at crew to haul again
7. Mast slips into gate and I breathe a sign of relief

Hello Mags, Sorry I missed the question when I read your post. Yes the shrouds appear to be ok now. I had to lean the mast back further than I anticipated to get them onto the levers. Just need to sort out the rest of the rigging. It appears to be there but I'm not using a lot of the blocks and I only have 2 pulleys on the vang. I'm assuming it will do for gentle sailing initially. I like your suggestion on getting the mast into position. Thanks, John