Mast Crutch

[barfwinkle]

Hello to All

I want to make a mast crutch for when the boat is on the trailer. My thoughts are to use 2x4s (lying flat) with 1/2 or 3/8 inch plywood fixed to each edge of the 2x4s making the whole think about 5" thick. And then of course whatever the appropriate height would be to cradle the mast in a notch at the top.

I also want it to at least roughly follow the curvature of the coachtop, and there in lies my problem. I have been trying to visualize how to transfer the coachtop curvature to at least a pattern if not a piece of plywood. Any suggestions?

[Mike]

Bill,

You do it with a compass. Lay the wood across the cabin top where you want it to rest. Level the piece of wood and then set the width of the compass to more than the gap between the wood and the cabin top. Keeping the pointy end of the compass against the cabin top run the pencil end along the wood. The pencil line will match the curvature of the cabin top.

Hope this helps,

[barfwinkle]

Thanks Mike

That is what I was visualizing, but for some reason, I just couldnt see it in reality.

Our best to you and the 1st Mate

B&S

[John Ring]

<center>

<img width="540" src="http://www.yachttantalus.com/Tantalus%2 ... %20Aft.jpg">

Certified 540 Wide Image

I made mine using 1/2" plywood, deck screws, and 5200. This is about the only good use I've found for 5200.

I don't think you need a 2x4 frame if you stiffen the sides up with plywood triangles, or need to cut a curve for the deck. A pair of runners, just plywood strips like skis reaching for and aft at the outer edges, will sit nicely.

Best,
John Ring
CD28 #241 Tantalus
www.yachttantalus.com

[andy]

John... noticed your cover in the pic... could you discribe its construction?

Andy N1ZXD
CD30K Watermark II
Lake Winnipesaukee

[barfwinkle]

WOW, Thank John.

I was making it much too complicated

While we are on the subject, how are the fore/aft ends of the mast supported? Are they on the pulpit/pushpit? Or other crutches

Thanks again

[John Ring]

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<img width="540" src="http://www.yachttantalus.com/Tantalus%2 ... upport.jpg">



Andy, Bill, the ends of the mast are supported by doubled up 2x3s stood up on edge, and notched on the bottom to sit on the pulpits. Duct tape holds them to the pulpits. The rest of the cover frame is made from soft 1/2" pvc, duct tape, and plastic tie straps. It's easy to build, costs very little, and stands up to New England winters. You can see the whole winter cover project here:

www.yachttantalus.com/Winter%20Cover.htm

Cheers,
John Ring,
CD28 Tantalus

[Ron M.]

PVC pipe makes an excellent frame for a winter cover. I use duct tape and nylon ties and secure frames to stantions and covered the set up with shrink wrap to the waterline.Takes less than an hour to install , faster to remove.In spring we remove the shrink wrap roll it up and store it in a plastic trash can in the shed.This system has been reused for 5 winters now and if I could avoid poking holes in it would probably last another 5.Providing a tight dry enviorment you can work under.Quite cost effective. I do shake off the snow when necessary.
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