Unstepping the mast

[John Dupras]

I own a Cape Dory Intrepid 9M and would like to install a Tri-color at the masthead. I'm pretty new to boating and am planning to haul out in a month or so. I was asking at the boatyard about the cost of unstepping the mast and they said it depends on how quick you are. They provide the crane and you do the labor. So my question is how is the mast attached. I see the spreaders and how they come undone, but how about the base of the mast. I see nothing obvious from outside. There is a panel in the overhead inside that I haven't opened yet. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also, if there is another way to install the tri color, that would be interesting too. I know that I will have to unstep eventually though. Thanks.

john



john_dupras@hotmail.com

[Neil Gordon]

>>So my question is how is the mast attached.<<

It's not. It sits in the mast step and is supported by the standing rigging. To unstep, disconnect power, antenna, etc., at the base of the mast. Boom removed. Halyards, etc., that lead aft all secured at the mast. Secure the mast to the crane, ease the rigging and pull the pins.

The interior panel is just an access port so you can get to wiring that runs down from the mast to inside the boat.

>>Also, if there is another way to install the tri color, that would be interesting too.<<

You could go aloft, although you'd be right at the top. For me, that wouldn't be the easiest place to work.

I wouldn't rush things, even if you are paying by the hour/minute/etc. Having the mast fall during stepping/unstepping can ruin your day.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[John Dupras]

Neil - you are always such a help! Just our of curiosity, what keeps tha mast from "slipping" at the base? Does it set in a recessed area? Is there a drain hole for any rainwater that might get in there ar anything else to look for when it comes off? Thanks a bunch.
John



john_dupras@hotmail.com

[Neil Gordon]

>>what keeps tha mast from "slipping" at the base?<<

The mast fits over a cast step. It will make complete sense once the mast is off the boat.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[Ed Rant]

Just our of curiosity, what keeps tha mast from "slipping" at the base? Does it set in a recessed area? Is there a drain hole for any rainwater that might get in there...

John:
I'm sending you a digital photo of the mast step on my '81 CD-27 taken after it was removed from the boat, yours is probably similar. The picture should make the setup pretty clear. Hope it helps.

Ed



cd27@txdirect.net

[Jack Schuhmacher]

I know that I will have to unstep eventually though. Thanks.

john

John,
Two weeks ago I pulled the mast on my 28. A few days before I removed one of the halyard cleats and sprayed corrosion block inside the mast.I wanted it to have a chance to work on the mast/step joint so there would be less chance of it sticking and therefore tying up the crane. As mentiond before you can get alot done before you get the yard personel involved. With some advanced planning your crane cost will be minimal.
Jack



jschuh@wt.net