To
unstep the masts: The removal of the masts
require the removal of two stainless steel rods at each mast located at the
base its base. The rods prevent the mast from any upward movement -- in case of
a knockdown, or roll. After the rods are removed and all wire connections have
been disconnected from the mast, the mast boot is loosened. With the prep tasks
completed, one merely wraps a thick line several times around the mast just
below the gooseneck track and securely ties off the bitter end; the remaining
line is connected to the hoop of the lifting crane. After both ends are
secured, the cranking of the crane handle lifts the mast out of its plug and up
it goes.
Transporting
the masts on land: In order to move the
mast from one location to another, I use a homemade dolly. This dolly is
made from wood purchased at local big box store, and the wheels are thin spoke
style. The wheels make it easier for me to move about the boat yard. Using .5
inch metal rod as an axle the wheels are held on with two nuts locked together.
Before I made the dolly, the
mariner owner used a front loader to lift the mast and move it from one
location to another. I thought it was a waste of his time to move the mast when
it could easily be done by other means: the result is a simple dolly. I
have used the dolly every year, and learned that placing the dolly not at the
end, but one third up from the base it is easier to lift and move the mast.
With the dolly strapped to the
base end of the mast, one person can lift the other end of the mast and push it
along. The Carbon/S-glass masts are not heavy, and make simple task for transporting by
land -- without the aid of heavy equipment of multitude of men.
In
the picture toward your right, one may note that the mast is riding on the
dolly while a person lifts the other end. Moreover the viewer will note the flex in the Carbon/S glass mast -- an attribute that allows the mast to spill
wind when its speed changes; thereby, acting as shock absorbers. The result is a
smooth even heal ride when sailing. Great Ketch rides like a luxury yacht in
shifty winds.
Transporting
the masts on water: Another mode for transporting the masts is having them on
the boat. When I purchased Great Ketch I needed
to sail her on Lake Ontario on the New York State border to the canal
entrance located in Oswego, New York. Transporting Great Ketch on our canal
system made me feel like a modern Huckleberry Finn because there were many
locations on the canal without any signs of civilization; just trees, bushes,
and nature all about,
The
masts are placed on the center line of the boat and are supported by wooden
frames. With straps securing the masts from rolling, -- I have no shroud
branches to prevent the masts from rolling, but because the masts are
elliptical they do not move much anyway -- I am able to navigate the
waterway with confidence.
The
viewer will note the calm waters, the peaceful sky line, and the seemingly
never ending invitation of the waterway.
To
Step the Masts: Stepping the mast task
is the opposite of unstepping the masts. Once the masts are lowered into the
boat the Spartite ring on the mast ensures that the mast
aligns exactly as it did upon their removal. The holes that the stainless steel
rods are placed align accordingly.
Stepping
and unstepping the masts is a two person operation, but having a third person
is preferable.
Why
do I perform unstep and step the masts every year? The process allows me to
clean, polish, wax and inspect the masts and all lights and hardware. The time
and effort required to perform such a task is worth it. I also am able to wrap
the masts in tarp tightly to protect is from the foul winter weather and UV.
The masts are easy enough to move about and having them stored on wooden
stands that are three feet high makes performing maintenance task easy.
