Many of you have posted about mast base plates to attach blocks to, primarily for running lines towards the cockpit. Some have even e-mailed me photos of what they have installed. I appreciate it. But those installations, I believe, require unstepping the mast. Going to the moon and back would be easier than getting my mast unstepped and then restepped at my yard this time of the year. So, my question is this. Does anyone know of some type of fitting that would fit around the mast, and then be "bolted closed" that some blocks could be attached to? I'd just like to get something done this year, for just a couple of lines. This could be a temporary fix, with a more permanent installion done during the off season.
Thanks.
Warren
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27
Setsail728@aol.com
Mast base plate - temporary
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Larry DeMers
Re: Mast base plate - temporary
Warren,
On DeLaMer I have a large S.S. bail that is mounted to low on the sides of the mast itself..with self-taping screws I believe. We use this to attach our spare halyards to, as well as a tie-off for the anchor sail and flag halyard ends. This would also make a fair to good attachment point for the turning blocks to bring lines back to your cockpit. It would certainly solve your problem temporarily anyway. Where to get these bails? West Marine carries boom bails for the sheet attachments, and that would work here I bet.
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMEr
Cape Dory 30
demers@sgi.com
On DeLaMer I have a large S.S. bail that is mounted to low on the sides of the mast itself..with self-taping screws I believe. We use this to attach our spare halyards to, as well as a tie-off for the anchor sail and flag halyard ends. This would also make a fair to good attachment point for the turning blocks to bring lines back to your cockpit. It would certainly solve your problem temporarily anyway. Where to get these bails? West Marine carries boom bails for the sheet attachments, and that would work here I bet.
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMEr
Cape Dory 30
Warren Kaplan wrote: Many of you have posted about mast base plates to attach blocks to, primarily for running lines towards the cockpit. Some have even e-mailed me photos of what they have installed. I appreciate it. But those installations, I believe, require unstepping the mast. Going to the moon and back would be easier than getting my mast unstepped and then restepped at my yard this time of the year. So, my question is this. Does anyone know of some type of fitting that would fit around the mast, and then be "bolted closed" that some blocks could be attached to? I'd just like to get something done this year, for just a couple of lines. This could be a temporary fix, with a more permanent installion done during the off season.
Thanks.
Warren
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27
demers@sgi.com
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Catherine Monaghan
Re: Mast base plate - temporary
Warren,
You can use a boom/mast bail. They are usually used in conjunction with a block and tackle boom vang system -- one bail on the boom and one at the bottom of the mast. Realiation has them. In addition to the boom vang, we attach the shackles of the halyards that aren't in use to that bail -- like the staysail halyard when we're flying our spinnaker. You could add two bails if you want -- one on either side of the mast (fore and aft). The trick will be finding one to fit your 4" wide mast exactly, but if you find one that's close in size, you can bend it to fit (but bending won't be easy if you select the steel rod type). When you drill into the mast to attach the bail you just need to account for the height of the mast step and be careful not to hit any wiring. The mast bail is attached with a single bolt that goes clear through the mast and out the other side where it accepts a washer and nut. Internally there's a compression tube to prevent overtightening and deformation. You can install it without the tube, then install that the next time the mast is down -- just don't overtighten the nut.
In this photo you can see both the boom and mast bails for the boom vang. There's a single reef in the main. That's my brother-in-law at the bow.
<IMG SRC="http://www.hometown.aol.com/bcomet/misc/Alatthebow.JPG">
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 <a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/bcomet/real ... ization</a>, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
You can use a boom/mast bail. They are usually used in conjunction with a block and tackle boom vang system -- one bail on the boom and one at the bottom of the mast. Realiation has them. In addition to the boom vang, we attach the shackles of the halyards that aren't in use to that bail -- like the staysail halyard when we're flying our spinnaker. You could add two bails if you want -- one on either side of the mast (fore and aft). The trick will be finding one to fit your 4" wide mast exactly, but if you find one that's close in size, you can bend it to fit (but bending won't be easy if you select the steel rod type). When you drill into the mast to attach the bail you just need to account for the height of the mast step and be careful not to hit any wiring. The mast bail is attached with a single bolt that goes clear through the mast and out the other side where it accepts a washer and nut. Internally there's a compression tube to prevent overtightening and deformation. You can install it without the tube, then install that the next time the mast is down -- just don't overtighten the nut.
In this photo you can see both the boom and mast bails for the boom vang. There's a single reef in the main. That's my brother-in-law at the bow.
<IMG SRC="http://www.hometown.aol.com/bcomet/misc/Alatthebow.JPG">
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CD32 <a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/bcomet/real ... ization</a>, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
Warren Kaplan wrote: Many of you have posted about mast base plates to attach blocks to, primarily for running lines towards the cockpit. Some have even e-mailed me photos of what they have installed. I appreciate it. But those installations, I believe, require unstepping the mast. Going to the moon and back would be easier than getting my mast unstepped and then restepped at my yard this time of the year. So, my question is this. Does anyone know of some type of fitting that would fit around the mast, and then be "bolted closed" that some blocks could be attached to? I'd just like to get something done this year, for just a couple of lines. This could be a temporary fix, with a more permanent installion done during the off season.
Thanks.
Warren
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
-
John R.
Re: Mast base plate - temporary
Why not consider other permanent options to a mast base plate. For instance I used Schaefer blocks mounted to Schaefer spring deck plates through bolted through the deck in combination with deck organizers to lead several lines aft to the cockpit.Warren Kaplan wrote: Many of you have posted about mast base plates to attach blocks to, primarily for running lines towards the cockpit. Some have even e-mailed me photos of what they have installed. I appreciate it. But those installations, I believe, require unstepping the mast. Going to the moon and back would be easier than getting my mast unstepped and then restepped at my yard this time of the year. So, my question is this. Does anyone know of some type of fitting that would fit around the mast, and then be "bolted closed" that some blocks could be attached to? I'd just like to get something done this year, for just a couple of lines. This could be a temporary fix, with a more permanent installion done during the off season.
Thanks.
Warren
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27
-
Warren Kaplan
Re: Mast base plate - temporary
Catherine and Larry,
Thanks for the idea. Seems simple enough and it could be just what I'm looking for. Catherine...your brother-in-law looks like he's having a grand old time. Do you at least get him to haul on a few lines during the sail?
Thanks again
Warren
Sine Qua Non
Setsail728@aol.com
Thanks for the idea. Seems simple enough and it could be just what I'm looking for. Catherine...your brother-in-law looks like he's having a grand old time. Do you at least get him to haul on a few lines during the sail?
Thanks again
Warren
Sine Qua Non
Setsail728@aol.com
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Catherine Monaghan
Re: Mast base plate - temporary
Warren,
My brother-in-law, Al, is a powerboater and loves to fish. He goes fishing whenever he gets a chance. He'll also hop on Realization every chance he gets but I haven't even been able to get him to take the helm! His children, on the other hand, are more than eager to take the wheel. If you've ever checked out the photos on my website, you'll find one of his daughter Christine (about 9 years old at the time) at the helm.
By the way, the boom and mast bail arrangement on Realization is permanent.
Cathy
CD32 <a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/bcomet/real ... ization</a>, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
My brother-in-law, Al, is a powerboater and loves to fish. He goes fishing whenever he gets a chance. He'll also hop on Realization every chance he gets but I haven't even been able to get him to take the helm! His children, on the other hand, are more than eager to take the wheel. If you've ever checked out the photos on my website, you'll find one of his daughter Christine (about 9 years old at the time) at the helm.
By the way, the boom and mast bail arrangement on Realization is permanent.
Cathy
CD32 <a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/bcomet/real ... ization</a>, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
Warren Kaplan wrote: Catherine and Larry,
Thanks for the idea. Seems simple enough and it could be just what I'm looking for. Catherine...your brother-in-law looks like he's having a grand old time. Do you at least get him to haul on a few lines during the sail?
Thanks again
Warren
Sine Qua Non
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
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Michael Heintz
Look closely at this picture :-)
Now Catherine,
Is it true that I see a bumper, on your deck while under sail?
What would our nautical traditions offercier have to say about that ?
m
Mzenith@aol.com
Is it true that I see a bumper, on your deck while under sail?
What would our nautical traditions offercier have to say about that ?
m
Mzenith@aol.com
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Warren Kaplan
Re: Look closely at this picture :-)
Now Michael....be nice. Or else Catherine will have to remove all those nice pictures of Macht Nichts from her web page!!Michael Heintz wrote: Now Catherine,
Is it true that I see a bumper, on your deck while under sail?
What would our nautical traditions offercier have to say about that ?
m
Warren
Setsail728@aol.com
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Neil Gordon
Re: Look closely at this picture :-)
>>Is it true that I see a bumper, on your deck while under sail?<<
It's a fender, not a bumper. Having it on deck while underway is better than having one (or more) dragging in the water. As a safety matter, though, they should be secured so they don't roll around the deck... bungee cord around a stanchion works for me.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Capr DOry 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
It's a fender, not a bumper. Having it on deck while underway is better than having one (or more) dragging in the water. As a safety matter, though, they should be secured so they don't roll around the deck... bungee cord around a stanchion works for me.
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Capr DOry 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Catherine Monaghan
Re: Look even closer and you'll see two!!
Okay, so I lose a couple of points for the fenders but I should gain a few for the tanbark, can't get any more traditional than that! You'll also notice that the reef ties go around the boom instead of the foot of the sail, that's also a faux pas -- hope Dave doesn't see it.
Look even closer and you'll see that there are two fenders on the starboard side. Al removed them on his way back to the cockpit. We keep them in the port locker.
He kinda likes the bow -- makes a beeline for it and sits up there like a hood ornament, excuse me, figurehead. Sometimes we have to make him come back to the cockpit so that we can tack or jibe. I don't like having people up forward while we maneuver, especially if their not wearing a PFD. If you get wacked by the staysail club, you'll be over the side as well as bruised.
We also have one of those flat, rectangular SoPac fenders that we hang over the stern. When not in use as a fender, we use it as a helm seat. It elevates the helmsman about 4 inches. So that one never gets stowed.
Cathy
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
Look even closer and you'll see that there are two fenders on the starboard side. Al removed them on his way back to the cockpit. We keep them in the port locker.
He kinda likes the bow -- makes a beeline for it and sits up there like a hood ornament, excuse me, figurehead. Sometimes we have to make him come back to the cockpit so that we can tack or jibe. I don't like having people up forward while we maneuver, especially if their not wearing a PFD. If you get wacked by the staysail club, you'll be over the side as well as bruised.
We also have one of those flat, rectangular SoPac fenders that we hang over the stern. When not in use as a fender, we use it as a helm seat. It elevates the helmsman about 4 inches. So that one never gets stowed.
Cathy
Michael Heintz wrote: Now Catherine,
Is it true that I see a bumper, on your deck while under sail?
What would our nautical traditions offercier have to say about that ?
m
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
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Nautical Traditions Offic
Re: Ah Boy!, here we go...
The fenders were noted, but what is of even of more concern is the hitch that was used to secure the fender to the lifeline. That knot looks like it might be something a proper seaman would use to tie up his dog or laundry!! It should be a clove hitch or what is known as a running hitch on shore(Upps, a clove hitch IS also known as a "laundry hitch", so I might have to back off there!). For shame Catherine, is it necessary that we rig the grate and break the Cat-O-Nine' out of the beige bag?
Also, Captain Heintz, "bumpers" are on baby carriages, maybe we should have you join Catherine at the grate at first lite in the morning.
Isn't this board fun???? I love it.....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
Lost at sea, see the post below where John Vigor and I get at it...!!
Also, Captain Heintz, "bumpers" are on baby carriages, maybe we should have you join Catherine at the grate at first lite in the morning.
Isn't this board fun???? I love it.....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
Lost at sea, see the post below where John Vigor and I get at it...!!
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Catherine Monaghan
Re: Nope, it's a proper hitch for a fender
Dave,
They're "hitched" properly. I add an extra loop (because the lines a long) that you just pull and the loop comes out.
Cathy
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
They're "hitched" properly. I add an extra loop (because the lines a long) that you just pull and the loop comes out.
Cathy
Nautical Traditions Officer wrote: The fenders were noted, but what is of even of more concern is the hitch that was used to secure the fender to the lifeline. That knot looks like it might be something a proper seaman would use to tie up his dog or laundry!! It should be a clove hitch or what is known as a running hitch on shore(Upps, a clove hitch IS also known as a "laundry hitch", so I might have to back off there!). For shame Catherine, is it necessary that we rig the grate and break the Cat-O-Nine' out of the beige bag?
Also, Captain Heintz, "bumpers" are on baby carriages, maybe we should have you join Catherine at the grate at first lite in the morning.
Isn't this board fun???? I love it.....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
Lost at sea, see the post below where John Vigor and I get at it...!!
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
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Warren Kaplan
No good deed goes unpunished!
Catherine,
I'm so sorry!! All I wanted was some ideas about hitching a turning block to the mast base temporarily. You were kind enough to go out of your way and post a picture for my benefit. Now you have to suffer the slings and arrows of these "proper bilge rats"!!! Ah yes! No good deed goes unpunished! I'll retire to Bedlam!
Warren
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27
Setsail728@aol.com
I'm so sorry!! All I wanted was some ideas about hitching a turning block to the mast base temporarily. You were kind enough to go out of your way and post a picture for my benefit. Now you have to suffer the slings and arrows of these "proper bilge rats"!!! Ah yes! No good deed goes unpunished! I'll retire to Bedlam!
Warren
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27
Setsail728@aol.com
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Michael Heintz
OK... OK....
FIRST....... let me say.... the minute I pressed the post key I KNEW I was going to get it for the Bumpers slip. OK I deserve a couple with the cat for that !!!!!
As for a closer look... well, I did not want to mention the condition of the lines...........It was enough to get up the nerve to mention the bumpers.. damn..I mean FENDERS......
Catherine.... as to the Tanbark sails...well like you say...doesn't get more traditional than that!!!!!
Dave... we stand at your mercy........
Michael Heintz
Mzenith@aol.com
As for a closer look... well, I did not want to mention the condition of the lines...........It was enough to get up the nerve to mention the bumpers.. damn..I mean FENDERS......
Catherine.... as to the Tanbark sails...well like you say...doesn't get more traditional than that!!!!!
Dave... we stand at your mercy........
Michael Heintz
Mzenith@aol.com
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Nautical Traditions Offic
Re: My apologies Captain, you are vindicated...
Madam Captain,
It is good that you clarified your actions to the quarter deck. The Bosuns' Mate was at the grog last night anyway, so could probably NOT apply the 'Cat with the proper vigor as would befit the crime.
I can't wait to look at what John Vigor's reply is to my last post below....Fair winds...
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei
It is good that you clarified your actions to the quarter deck. The Bosuns' Mate was at the grog last night anyway, so could probably NOT apply the 'Cat with the proper vigor as would befit the crime.
I can't wait to look at what John Vigor's reply is to my last post below....Fair winds...
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei