Stepping a CD25 mast on the water
Moderator: Jim Walsh
Stepping a CD25 mast on the water
Hi, does anyone know if it's possible/advisable to step a CD25's mast while on a protected canal? I've got it on the trailer at the moment and I want to have some bottom paint done by my favorite boat yard. The yard is inshore of a fixed bridge though. It would be great if they could splash the hull after they're done and I motor under the bridge and step the mast. Thoughts appreciated.
Re: Stepping a CD25 mast on the water
No problem at all. Very easy with two people, but can also be done single-handed with good planning and preparation.
Cleat the jib halyard on the mast with almost line to reach the tack. Connect a pair of blocks (with plenty of line, depending on how much purchase you have) between the end of the halyard and where you attach the job tack.
Tension the purchase to put slack in the forestay and cleat it off. Loosen your upper and lower shrouds. Disconnect the forward lowers and the fore stay. From the cabin top, steady the mast and slowly lean it aft as you play out the line in the blocks. Ease aft until you can carefully step onto the cockpit seats. At this point you should have all of the mast weight in hands and can ease it down on top of a cushion or 2.
Re-stepping is the same process in reverse but is easier if you have someone to handle the block line while you steady and raise the mast initially.
I have done this on my last CD25 single-handed, however, I was also 'uinder 50' rather than 'over 60' then...
Cleat the jib halyard on the mast with almost line to reach the tack. Connect a pair of blocks (with plenty of line, depending on how much purchase you have) between the end of the halyard and where you attach the job tack.
Tension the purchase to put slack in the forestay and cleat it off. Loosen your upper and lower shrouds. Disconnect the forward lowers and the fore stay. From the cabin top, steady the mast and slowly lean it aft as you play out the line in the blocks. Ease aft until you can carefully step onto the cockpit seats. At this point you should have all of the mast weight in hands and can ease it down on top of a cushion or 2.
Re-stepping is the same process in reverse but is easier if you have someone to handle the block line while you steady and raise the mast initially.
I have done this on my last CD25 single-handed, however, I was also 'uinder 50' rather than 'over 60' then...
-michael & Toni CDSOA #789
s/v KAYLA CD28 #318
2012 FLSTC Heritage Classic
Niceville FL
+30° 30' 24.60", -86° 26' 32.10"
"Just because it worked, doesn't mean it works." -me
No shirt + No shorts = No problem!
s/v KAYLA CD28 #318
2012 FLSTC Heritage Classic
Niceville FL
+30° 30' 24.60", -86° 26' 32.10"
"Just because it worked, doesn't mean it works." -me
No shirt + No shorts = No problem!
Re: Stepping a CD25 mast on the water
Excellent! thank you. and doing on the water is no problem? I grew up as a one design centerboard sailor so not used to what you can do with a keel.
Re: Stepping a CD25 mast on the water
One thing you can do is actually 'bump bottom' and get stuck... but you can quite easily jump in, push a bit and get her free! Just remember to get back on before she sails away...FL Dan wrote: I grew up as a one design centerboard sailor so not used to what you can do with a keel.
-michael & Toni CDSOA #789
s/v KAYLA CD28 #318
2012 FLSTC Heritage Classic
Niceville FL
+30° 30' 24.60", -86° 26' 32.10"
"Just because it worked, doesn't mean it works." -me
No shirt + No shorts = No problem!
s/v KAYLA CD28 #318
2012 FLSTC Heritage Classic
Niceville FL
+30° 30' 24.60", -86° 26' 32.10"
"Just because it worked, doesn't mean it works." -me
No shirt + No shorts = No problem!
-
tartansailor
- Posts: 1528
- Joined: Aug 30th, '05, 13:55
- Location: CD25, Renaissance, Milton, DE
Re: Stepping a CD25 mast on the water
No problem. Do it all the time, assuming that your mast tilts aft.FL Dan wrote:Hi, does anyone know if it's possible/advisable to step a CD25's mast while on a protected canal? I've got it on the trailer at the moment and I want to have some bottom paint done by my favorite boat yard. The yard is inshore of a fixed bridge though. It would be great if they could splash the hull after they're done and I motor under the bridge and step the mast. Thoughts appreciated.
The hard part is getting the pivot pin in place.
Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam