Kappie,
The trailer rigging for single handed stepping is really simple. I will try to describe it in words here. If you need a drawing let me know and I will post one.
Material List:
- 2 pcs 1.5" or 2" dia., 8' galvanized conduit. (I forgot which size I used)
- 2 pcs of 5/16" hex head bolts, preferably stainless, length depends on the rest of your setup
- 1 pcs of an eye bolt with a 5/16" thread on it.
- 3 pcs of 5/16" nylok nuts, preferably stainless
- 6 pcs 5/16" washers, preferably stianless
- 2 pcs of 1" x 1" x 2" scrap piece of metal. I used 1" square tubing I found in my company's scrap bin.
- I found everything but the scrap pieces at Home depot/Lowes
The idea is to form am A frame that is attached to your trailer so it can pivot about the bottom of the A between your boat and the mast support. I am assuming the trailer has a winch on it and the boat has at least one set of trap wires.
1)Take a hammer and flattened about 1"-2" of the ends on both pieces of the conduit. Keep the ends on the same piece paralell to each other. Then drill a clearance hole for a 5/16" bolt in each of the ends you just flattened.
2)Drill the same holes through both of the scrap pieces. If you are going to bolt them to your trailer then drill appropriate holes for mounting the blocks. Keeping in mind you will need to have one hole to attach to the conduit.
3)Weld or bolt (you will need extra hardware to bolt) the scrap metal to your trailer such that on each piece the 5/16" clearance hole is horizontal and perpendicular to the trailer tounge. I located mine where the bend is on the two outside rails where they angled in toward the tounge. This happened to be just in front of the forward cross bar on the boat when it was loaded onto my trailer properly. The idea is to create a wide base.
4)Take your eye bolt and, using the threaded end with the appropriate nut and washers, attach the two pieces of conduit at one end. This will form the vertex of the A frame. Make this joint tight. We want as little play here as possible.
5)Attach each of the other ends to one of the scrap blocks you have mounted to your trailer. Do not tighten too much. The A frame should pivot on these bolts.
To use this rig:
1)Keep the boat strapped to the trailer (this is very important). Position the mast for stepping and insert mast base pin. You may need to use a support near the top of the mast.
2)Tie one set of trapeeze lines to the front cross bar just inside of the corner castings (on the H16 and probably H14). This gives you lateral support while raising the mast when the side stays cannot. Use your judgement on other boats where to attache the trap wires.
3)Rotate the A frame to a vertical position.
4)Attach the forestay directly or with a piece of line to the eye bolt at the vertex of the A frame.
5)Attach the winch line to the eye bolt at the vertex of the A frame.
6)Use the winch to hoist the mast. You will be rotating the A frame forward towards the mast support on the trailer.
7)The trap lines and side stays will work togeather through the full range of motion to keep the mast from going to far to one side. Some movement here is OK.
8)When the mast is fully raised take one of the supporting trap wires and tie it to the eye bolt.
9)Now disconnect the forestay from the eyebolt and attach it to the bridle. The trap wire will temporarily act as the forestay so you can attach the actual forestay.
10)Put all of the rigging back were it belongs and continue your boat set up.
I lean the A frame on my mast support and bungie it or tie it there during trailering. I was also able to position my mast by myself. I am a fairly large guy. If you are not comfortable moving a mast around solo, you may want her to help you get it positioned. Then she can relax after that. You may need to add some extra line to the forestay or trap wires. Carefully experiment to see what the apppropriate lengths will be.
If anyone would like a drawing of the set up, please let me know.
I hope this helps and good luck.
