Single handed mast step.

OK all, I'm looking for an alternative way to single-handedly step the mast on my H16. I've seen the kits with the winch(and wench) with and without the gin pole. Has anyone tried with block and tackle?



What I was thinking was securing a line, 1/4 inch or so (brand new), to the forestay and secure a block or generic pulley to the boom support. Thread the line through the block and carry back to tramp. Step the mast as usual and tighten the line through the block. This should hold the mast. Maybe even feed the line through on of the jib sheet cleats to lock it down. Get off the tramp while being careful to keep the line taught and secure the forestay to the bridle.



Now I will thank everyone in advance for the cautions of safety - I uderstand this. I just wanted to know if anyone has ever tried this or something similar?



Thanks



John.

If I understand you correctly, that's the way I step the mast solo. It's quick and easy.



I've got a simple pully (from ACE hardware) mounted on top of my trailer's front mast support. I tie a line to the forestay, feed through the pulley back to the tramp. I raise the mast by hand and while holding the mast up pull the line tight. I then hop off the tramp and attach the forstay to the bridle wires. The system would be safer if I cleated off or tied off the line while hopping down. I also have a winch--takes too much time.

That's exactly it, Eric. Thanks for the reply. Seems like it shouldn't be too difficult. Maybe not the safest method in the world since there is not a back up - like a tie off - but certainly sounds doable.



Thanks again. Anyone else?



John Wielgolinksi

H-16

Palmdale, CA

Thats the way I do it. I tie the line off on the main halyard cleat.



David

I do pretty much the same thing, but two suggestions: First, attach your line to the jib halyard (instead of the forestay) and through the pulley and then tie off on the mainsheet cleat. Makes it alot easier to pin the forestay without a line, carabiner, whatever, in the thimble. Also, you can put your trap wires around the front corner castings and this will give you a little more stability side to side when you're stepping the mast. Plus it keeps them from snagging on anything (trailer, rudders, etc) while you are solo steppiing.



I've been doing it this way for a couple of years now and never had any problems.



Kirk

I use a similar method with my H-17 with a variation. I attach to one of the trap lines and jam cleat off at my trailer front mast support, which is right at my mast base. Then have a free connection to the forestay. Caleb Tarleton