Stern rail/mast support

LeatherneckPA · Post by **LeatherneckPA** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:27 am

Before I trailer anywhere else I want to add a dedicated rear mast support so I don't have to jury-rig something like we did to get home. I had hoped I could just install a stern rail, level with the bow pulpit, for lowering the mast and for travel. But Banshi tells me that the transom is forward of the balance point on the mast when it is lowered. Does anybody know by how much?

Pics of what works for you?

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 6:55 am

Check this setup out.
I have a nice square stock with a roller on it.
The square stock has pins welded to it and the boat has a couple of cathes for the pins. It literally just sets in place.

Yes the balance point is slightly aft of the support.
However my mast is hinged.so it can set there nicely intill I pull the pin on the hinge. As I pull the pin, I simply put on hand on the end of the mast and hold it from flipping backwards. Easy Peezy. Then I simply roll the mast forward past the balance point or until it is where I want it for travel.
Look at the full sized version of the photo near the outboard at the support holding the mast!!

I'll look for better photos. I know I have some SOMEWHERE! LOL!

http://captainscottsailing.com/pictures ... C_1035.JPG

Your browser will resize the photo smaller so you'll need to turn that off to see the full sized photo for details.
Scott

PS: you can see this is before we cleaned her up and renamed her after my mom!

Andiron120 · Post by **Andiron120** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 7:28 am

Would love to see some pictures of the lower end of the roller setup and where and how it sits in the boat.

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:49 am

Mine is a C-26 so might be different, but my mast support is barely forward of the balance point when mast is lowered. It takes just a slight push down and forward to engage the mast step hook.

I'll probably modify it to sit just a few inches farther aft, but it works. I also have to raise the roller slightly so the mast will clear our newly installed solar panel on the companionway hatch.

I added a trailer keel roller after the picture, to make moving the mast easier. I have a similar setup without roller on the pulpit to carry the mast.

Banshi · Post by **Banshi** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:57 am

Looking at this picture with the mast ready to step it is about where the white spreader guard is.

Banshi · Post by **Banshi** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 9:12 am

Also I just remembered you asking how I kept the base of the mast in the mast step while setting up so here it is

Jmckamey · Post by **Jmckamey** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 9:18 am

I hear you brother! Used a bale of hay to get mine home; ran thru rain on the way. What a mess.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 9:22 am

Andiron120 wrote:Would love to see some pictures of the lower end of the roller setup and where and how it sits in the boat.

I'll dig around and see if I can find them.
If not, I'll take more tonight assuming it is not a torrential downpour!
Scott