Revised Mast Raising/Lowering System

Posted October 20, 2009.

The system described previously worked well but here is a suggestion for an excellent system for raising/lowering the mast on a MATILDA by one person, with a minimum of effort and completely under control.

This NEW and IMPROVED mast raising system is based on a fellow club member's mast raising system used on his MacGregor 26X.

It was always a source of amazement to me that this experienced and knowledgable sailor could raise and lower his mast, by himself, with no undue excitement or mishaps as compared to some instances when someone slips and falls or happens to turn a turnbuckle the wrong way. It's always nice to have help when raising or lowering a mast but sometimes help doesn't appear when you are ready to proceed and accidents can happen. Also, I am a great believer in approaching and solving a problem with the right tools and equipment- I abhor the spectacle of a dramatic mast raising e.g. raising-of-the-flag-at- IWO-JIMA-routine-it's great when successful but the chance of a mishap is always there.
As long as a mast is truly vertical, there is little chance of disaster but if the mast gets off to one side,you could be in real trouble as even the strongest deck ape could experience difficulty trying to bring it back to vertical.

Attaching a mast raising system might take a few moments more but you can be confident of the result.

Also, this approach is very well suited to any craft that has a furler installed.

The components of the mast raising system

#1 Brake winch - Dutton-Lainson #DLB350A or equivalent is ABSOLUTELY essential to control the mast raising effort with ease and confidence.

#2 Pole with tangs to attach to mast step. It is necessary to drill a 3/8" diameter hole in the mast step to accept the pole tangs.

#3 Bail for attachment to mast. It is necessary to drill a 1/4" hole in mast 6 feet up from the bottom of mast to accept the thru bolt for the bail and side stay tangs

#4 Top quality rope. The rope to hold the gin pole in position should be marked to indicate the correct angle of the pole and tied securely to the foredeck cleat. also make sure the cleat is securely anchored for an upward pull.

#5 Eye straps for attaching ropes to pole and pulley for rope to bail.

#6 Tangs and wire rope for side stays for mast.

#7 Attachment brackets for lower end of side stays.
Absolutely essential that the pivot points of the side stays be on the same pivot point as the mast step bolt.

The brackets attach easily to our stainless steel handrails with two 1/4"-20 bolts. The brackets ride on ultra high density polyethylene runners above and below the handrail to ensure the stainless handrail does not get scratched. The bracket is prevented from moving aft by the UHDPE hitting the attachment post.

Starboard anchor bracket.

The complete mast raising system (with the exception of the side stay anchors and the upper tangs) can be purchased from a local MacGregor dealer for around $200.00. You will have to devise an side stay anchor system that is compatible with your boat.

Mast raising system installed and everything is ready to go.

The mast is halfway up and everything is under control. You can lower it if necessary or even walk away and leave it for a moment.

The mast successfully raised by one person with no excitement or drama. The bend in the mast is quite evident

which ensures that the forestay can be easily attached.

Raising a MATILDA mast should be effortless with the proper planning and equipment. It should not be the situation where you are going to raise your mast and everyone runs the other way.

P.S. May I suggest having a look at previous posting if you have not already done so.

MAST RAISING/LOWERING SYSTEM contained a lot of useful tips regarding mast support, bungee cord on shrouds, reminder about wind indicator installation, etc..