I have a hell of a time stepping the mast on my H20. I would love to hear some processes / techniques people use.
<br>
<br>-Jeff Tichenor
<br>Orlando, FL<br><br>

Jeff,
<br>w/o knowing what kinda probs, here are some suggestions:
<br>-whenever possible, point the sterns to the eye of the wind
<br>-make sure the rigging is clear, no hang-ups
<br>-Have a person about at the shroud hound, and 'throw it' when you give it the heave to
<br> Should go up easy
<br>OR:
<br>use a quick release to the bungee on one of the front traps. Attach a trap line to the winch line on most cat trailers, and steady the mast side to side as someone 'cranks' it up.
<br>OR:
<br>get the system sold that steadies it for you and crank, it has a fulcrum bar for better leverage also- IMHO, NOT necessary.
<br>
<br>Good luck!<br><br>

Jeff,
<br>I just got a H20 this fall. I gave up trying to clean and jerk the mast after two times. I could do it, but it took all my strength. I'm 50 and in pretty good shape, but I'm not into the Schwarzenegger scene. Anyway, I now use a winch that is attached to the mast brace on my trailor. My wife holds the top of the mast while I stand on the back of the tramp, and pick the mast up to chest height, then she goes to the front of the trailor and winches a rope that is attached to the front stay (I push the mast over my head and keep it centered until it is vertical). I let the mast down the same way. It is also critical that you have the side shrouds attached, straight and in a position that they will not get caught on anything. I think it is a good idea to have someone help you when you are stepping a mast on an H20.
<br>
<br>Paul
<br>H20 #714 <br><br>

Hi Jeff, I have a 12 year old son, I`m 41 (and kinda fat) I use the winch to raise the mast. First I attach the winch to the forstay with the bridles connected to the stay. Then I take the bottom of the mast and my son takes the top (hounds) and we walk the mast to the forebeam. I position the mast on the ball (side ways) and slip in the pin. I move to the rear beam and just hold the mast while my son hurries to the winch and steadily winches while I just keep it going straight. Winch fairly tight, jump off the tramp and attach the bridles to the hull then release the winch...Then immediatly adjust your side stays for the conditions.
<br>
<br>Coming down, be sure to putmove one side stay pin to the top position to allow you to rotate the mast , turn the mast 90 degrees or it will escape the ball (ugly) Reverse the raising process. Estimated time to raise @ 3 min +/-<br><br>