Dropping the Mast.....What's involved?

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lauraj
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Dropping the Mast.....What's involved?

Post by lauraj »

Hi all,
We just bought a '90 34ft (hull #8) and are coming from a Catalina (small monohull) so we have a lot to learn.
We are replacing the rigging and it was suggested that it may be a good time to drop the mast and check interior items, lights, etc.
We have no idea what's involved with dropping the mast. (Won't see the boat until Dec. 7)
Our Catalina's goes down pretty easy, using the topping lift, the halyard and a couple pulleys, can the PDQ's be dropped like that or should we anticipate having the yard help with a rig? Is this a hour or so job for 2-3 people or more major?
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thinwater
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Re: Dropping the Mast.....What's involved?

Post by thinwater »

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James Power
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Re: Dropping the Mast.....What's involved?

Post by James Power »

Hi Lauraj,

Welcome to the PDQ family. As thinwater says, a crane is the best option. The rig was never designed to be lowered independently. A competent yard should be able to lower the rig within an hour, with a crane operator and 2 riggers. Definately a great time to inspect wiring, shiv's, fittings, etc... Where is your boat located?

James
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lauraj
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Re: Dropping the Mast.....What's involved?

Post by lauraj »

Somewhere is in Grenada at Spice Island. We will be joining on Dec. 7.
James Power
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Re: Dropping the Mast.....What's involved?

Post by James Power »

Hey Lauraj,

Way down island, very cool. Let me know if we can help out with other questions.

James
Bob
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Re: Dropping the Mast.....What's involved?

Post by Bob »

Keeping in mind that no two boats were alike we had a yard drop our mast in the fall and when we went to step in the spring found that the backstay turnbuckles and stud threads were striped. The cause was the yard flunky unwound the turnbuckles until they pulled apart. My forestay is fixed ie: plates, no turnbuckle. Check forestay and if similar use main halyard to tension the rig while you unwind backstays. It will save you the headache. 2 new backstays installed ~$1k.
Bob Johnson
Hull 36045
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