Mast raising question

2nd generation · Post by **2nd generation** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 4:54 am

I have my bridles made but have a question before using them. I have always used the three person method when raising the mast on my C22. One on the ground pulling up using the forestay attached to a line with two on the boat lifting and keeping the mast straight (My wife isn't thrilled with this method). If I don't use the gin pole method and still have one on the ground pulling up the mast how should the bridles be attached to the mast? I have a loop on the front of the mast about 6 feet up if I attach a line from this to the bridles how tight should it be?

kokezaru · Post by **kokezaru** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:00 am

If your bridles are made up correctly, the process using the gin pole should only take one person. There would be no need to have two people to steady the mast, since that is the job of the bridles. The bridles should be tight, to prevent the mast from even thinking of moving.

If you use the gin pole in conjunction with your main sheet blocks, you can stand on the bow while lifting, so that you can watch for any snags.

--Richard

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:08 am

Here is a discussion on how I set up my boats for single handedly stepping the mast.

http://www.captainscottsailing.com/SteppingTheMast.php

The very last photo is a link to a video with me lowering and raising the mast all by myself. Just click the photo. The video does not show much other than the fact that it can be done easily by one person if set up properly.

If you read the page and have any questions or suggestions on making the process more clear, let me know!!

Scott

parared · Post by **parared** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:49 am

Seconding what the others have said. Also, I'm not sure if the bridles will work properly without the gin pole. See, the jib sheets run from the end of the gin pole, out to the loop in the bridle, and back to a point about 4 feet up the mast, making two triangles, one in each direction. The tightness here is what keeps the mast from moving on either direction. However, it looks like the line that runs through the loop in the bridle slips through the bridle a little as the mast raises, correcting for the changing geometry while keeping tight.

So, like they said, make a gin pole ( easy peasy ), use the bridles and raise the mast yourself

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