Joe, I'm no expert, and I tend to obsess on everything, but the mast is no big deal. First, make sure you use a quick release pin instead of a clevis to hold the CDI to the stem fitting (middle hole). I keep the shrouds tightened because they are directly opposite the tabernacle pivot point (thanks, Larry), and they are a hassle to adjust each time. The jib should be left on rolled up and bungeed at the clew. I fasten a four-part tackle between the rear hole of the stem fitting (or the trailer upright, if it is on the trailer) and the unused jib halyard (of course the other end is cleated off). (Be careful to position the halyard properly, because I found out yesterday that raising the mast with the wire can possibly jamb the rope/wire transition into the masthead apparatus. This winter, it is all-rope halyard for me!) Mast up: Stand in the cockpit and raise the mast about shoulder height while tensioning the tackle. It should be easy to raise the mast a bit higher with one arm while pulling on the tackle line, and from there use the tackle to raise the mast. Beware of savaging the electrical wires in the tabernacle; you can cleat off the tackle and arrange the wires when you get to 45 degrees or so. I wrap a towel around the furler so it won't scratch the deck as it slides forward. When the mast is up, I loosen the backstay a bit, so the furler can be pinned on easily. Then remove the tackle (now a temporary headstay), tension the backstay, and voila! Mast down: Put the tackle back on, loosen the backstay, tighten the tackle until the quick pin on furler comes out easily, tip the mast while feeding line into the tackle, move to the cockpit, and lower the mast with the tackle until you can grab it and place it in the cradle. The only hard part is keeping the tackle from cleating off automatically under tension, but I managed it alone the first time out. Two people of course make everything a little easier. Two other tricks have merit if you are not feeling vigorous. One is to raise the trailer upright to the highest hole, put on an eyebolt, and fasten the tackle there. I have not needed to do this yet, but I think the tackle will raise the mast off the upright with no muscle power. The other tactic is to have an extending mast cradle, but I reckon one needs to raise the mast as the cradle is raised, so it does not add much if you are using a tackle. Tom Jenkins ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe Murphy" <seagray@embarqmail.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, August 16, 2009 7:28 PM Subject: M_Boats: Bringing down the mast
A question for those of you that regularly trailer your M17 and have to take the mast down. Can it be done without making any adjustments to the shrouds? With a roller furling, does the sail have to be removed first? (I have a CDI) Other tips to simplify the process? And lastly, how in the world do you guys do all this in 30-45 minutes???? Joe Seafrog M17
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