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C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2019 9:01 am
by Highwinds
Finally got around to posting these images of mast raising on my C26. Took me a while to figure out how to get the mast supported properly on the stern in order to move it back far enough and get at the proper angle to ensure the mast went into the mast step hook properly. I ended up building a support that sits on the stern seat area in the cockpit. Hope these pics help someone. I followed the original instructions in the C26 manual to set up the rigging, hardest part was sorting out the support I needed. Was able to raise the mast with just my wife and son, their job was to make sure the mast did not go east / west (it has a tendancy to do that) while raising, and also ensuring the rope stayed attached with pressure to hold the mast base against the mast step hook (you don't want that falling out). I also ran the hoisting line back to the genoa winch on the starboaard side from a pully on the bow, that worked out great.

I'll post more images in a reply post.

Otherwise, go slow and back it down if something does not feel right. Don't recommend this on a real windy day and have the boat level when raising. :D

Kyle

Re: C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2019 9:04 am
by Highwinds
Here are additional pics (3-5) of support and other rigging. Really important to use 4 tie down ratchet straps to ensure the stern support holding the mast does not tip over (it wants to!).

Re: C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2019 9:10 am
by Highwinds
And a few more pics:

Re: C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2019 9:11 am
by Highwinds
And finally, one more showing the support.

Re: C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2019 9:23 am
by Highwinds
And finally, it's up! Kind of a pain with a roller furling versus a normal forestay, but it worked as the roller furling housing had to be pushed to the side and pulled up the deck as the mast came up.

Re: C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2019 1:11 pm
by Skipper Dan
Looks good, I can recommend using PVC pipe and a toilet flange for the support. If you use a 4" on he bottom and insert a 3" inside that you can raise the mast quite high before you start. Just use a bolt through two holes predrilled in the 4" pipe. Then raise the mast by hand with a board install the bolt and you now are 3' higher.
Mast support small.jpg

Re: C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2019 2:49 pm
by Highwinds
Thanks Dan. I like that idea with PVC pipe better as my mast stand is kinda heavy, but it is what I had available so I added the forks. I will make one of those over the winter, but probably have the base sit on a 3/4" piece if plywood to spread the load a bit.

Re: C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2019 5:22 pm
by brigadoon
Just a note, you say you have to work the roller reef as you raise the mast. I use 1/8 cable bridals ,ratchet straps on a piece of dedicated thick wall electrical conduit with eye bolts (heavy duty) , this way I never take the mainsail off the boom. Instead of the jib halyard I use the forestry to pull up the mast. If you have a flexible curler track you should be able to use that just as I do. If your forestry track is rigid you might have trouble with it bending at the joints until you get everything under tension. I have used this method with just a wire forestry and a rigid furler without problems. I know all the documents suggest the halyard for raising the mast but I feel much more secure using the wire forestry. Just my personal feelings on the matter
Rick

Re: C26 Mast raising pics

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2019 6:46 pm
by Skipper Dan
Highwinds there is more weight on your foot than there is on the toilet flange. It is not supporting more than about 50# and it is twice the area of my shoe.