Strength of a horizontal mast

bearley · Post by **bearley** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:09 am

Hi All,

My C-26 project is stored outside, and it's only about a mile from my house which isn't too bad. I would like to bring the mast home, to work on rewiring it here, but I don't have a vehicle that is long enough to support it. I'm thinking of using a couple of dollies and "walking" it along the side of the road. (What a sight that will be...like I turned in a dog for an aluminum pole!)
Anyway, how careful should I be with the mast in a horizontal position? Is it generally strong enough to pick up at one end, or both ends?

Thanks for your help...as always.

Bob

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:51 am

Bob;
It should not be a problem, after all when traveling the mast is carried on the bow and stern pulpits of the boat.
We all want to see the video of "A man out walking his mast"

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:46 am

I agree with both, the strength and the need for a video! LOL!
Scott

cs3079 · Post by **cs3079** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:21 am

Do you have access to a trailer? I'd strap it down tight to a trailer and put a red (very red) flag on the back. I moved a 20' x10" culvert using a 12' boat trailer 10 miles that way without a problem. just watch those turns though LMAO. The flex shouldn't be a problem if you go easy i'd think. But if you do decide to walk your mast home I too would love to see pics or vids. Could possibly be a great subject for Roger Ebert's "Photos in Need of a Caption" contest. I'm putting on me think'n cap already

cs3079 · Post by **cs3079** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:37 am

Hi Bob. I know i digress a bit from the actual sincerity of the problem at hand but maybe Larry Epp can let you borrow his equipment to move the mast! Just think'n out of the box!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-gjUSQDts0

Please forgive me, it's been a looong week.

N41EF · Post by **N41EF** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 12:39 pm

Find someone with the smallest car you can find, my wife drives a Smart which would be perfect. Throw a twin size mattress on top, then the mast, then some twine and tie a big bow. No rapid turns....

I've picked mine up by myself in the "middle" and there was no flex or sway at all. I too plan to install the hinge late and rewire this weekend.

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 1:56 pm

I think if you found a contractor friend or make friends with a contractor that has a ladder rack on his truck or a minivan with a rack on it and I also vote for a video.