[Rhodes22-list] Lowering the Mast To The Stern

Sun Sep 19 14:19:20 EDT 2004

   Slim,

         Did I miss the checklist for raising the mast?

         I think your caution should say DANGER!! and be at the
   beginning.  It should also contain a statement about looking for
   overhead wires and obstructions....not only where you are rigging up,
   but between there and the launch ramp.  Some marinas and public ramps
   do not cater to sailboaters or have set rigging
   areas. Somewhere around step 18 or 19, it can be noted to tug very
   very lightly on either of the shrouds (or guide lines) if needed to be
   sure the mast lands on the crutch.

    I would feel more confortable if the steps for raising are written
   out, instead of just reversing the steps.

        It seems that most of the changes in the stern raising/lowering
   method have been how to stabilize the mast beam-wise while raising and
   lowering.  Whether to connect the forestay before the lower forward
   shrouds is a matter of personal preference provided one or better yet
   both are connected BEFORE the aft lowers are un hooked from the crane
   pole.

       One variation to the shroud extenders was to screw tiny eye
   straps to the mast.  Light lines were attached between these eyes and
   secured to the brackets slid onto the cabin top handrails; which are
   positioned slightly aft of the mast bolt slot.  This is the method
   described in the instructions on the document library page. With this
   method, the forward shrouds are not used in raising.  Connecting the
   forward lower shrouds before the crane pole is disconnected is
   stressed.  See
   [1]http://www.rhodes22.org/doclib/Rhodes22-1988-MastHoist-Raven.pdf

       I used this method the few times I raised and lowered my mast.  I
   even stopped lowering once with the mast at about 50 degrees of tilt
   to re-adjust the tension on one of these lines. But I must point out
   that I use a home-made trailer winch system.  It is generally modeled
   after the GB system, uses a two speed (two gear range) winch, and is
   much sturdier.

       Another variation found in the FAQ's is/was used by Rik.   He said
   he attached the forward lowers to the mast crane pole, and attached
   the aft lowers to the forward's lowers chainplates using the
   extenders.  I still like Roger's T-handle "field expedient" method.

   Todd

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: "Bill Effros"
   Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2004 07:46:57 -0400
   To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list"
   Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Lowering the Mast To The Stern
   > Slim,
   >
   > At this time of year I think it makes more sense to work on Lowering
   the Mast to the Stern. That's what most of us will be doing, so it
   will be fresh in all of our minds.
   >
   > Let's build on the outline below.
   >
   > Let's use the format "1. -- 1.1 -- 1.2 -- 1.2.1--2." etc. Indenting
   once for each decimal point. Let's get 12a out of there, and put it
   where it belongs.
   >
   > That way anyone can jump in with a 13.4.3 and state an idea as
   briefly as possible. The list compiler (in this case that means you)
   can insert the instruction where it is supposed to go, and repost the
   checklist. Then we can go back to fighting about the proper way to rig
   a boat, and the relevance of a Loos Gauge for a while.
   >
   > Your checklist looks good to me. It will be interesting to see how
   others fill in the blanks that I don't even see.
   >
   > Bill
   >
   >
   > ----- Original Message -----
   > From: Steve Alm
   > To: Rhodes
   > Sent: Friday, September 17, 2004 4:33 PM
   > Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Lowering the Mast To The Stern
   >
   >
   > LOWERING THE MAST TO THE STERN:
   >
   > 1. Disconnect the back stay tensioning line
   > 2. Disconnect the boom from the traveler
   > 3. Remove the traveler bar
   > 4. Hoist the boom up with the topping lift and cleat it off on the
   mast
   > 5. Disconnect the pop top slider and close the hatch
   > 6. Disconnect the radio and steaming light
   > 7. Wrap up jib sheets and jib reefing line
   > 8. Disconnect forward lower shrouds and add extensions
   > 9. Loosen all other shroud turnbuckles
   > 10. Deploy a nd secure mast crutch
   > 11. Deploy and secure hoist crane to cabin top block
   > 12. Attach aft lower shrouds to crane
   > 12a Alternate: Attach line from crane to mast bail if you're thus
   equipped
   > 13. Tie hoist winch line to bow cleat with a bowline
   > 14. Snug the hoist to slack the bow stay
   > 15. Disconnect bow stay
   > 16. Crank the hoist "down" giving the mast a little shove to get it
   started
   > 17. Check the shroud extensions as you lower to avoid entanglement.
   > 18. Tend the jib as you lower
   > 19. Lower the mast to the crutch
   > 20. Disconnect mast from tabernacle
   > 21. walk mast, boom and jib forward and secure the whole bundle on
   the bow
   > pulpit.
   >
   > CAUTION: Never let anyone stand under the mast while lowering
   >
   > __________________________________________________
   > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
   > _____________ _____________________________________
   > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
   --

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References

   1. http://www.rhodes22.org/doclib/Rhodes22-1988-MastHoist-Raven.pdf
   2. http://mail01.mail.com/scripts/payment/adtracking.cgi?bannercode=adsfreejump01