Remove a Free Mast from an Anchored Boat ?

[masthead]

Hi All Of You knowledgeable People.
I'm a new kid on the block this is my first thread.So I'm re-fitting a 30' sailboat and the wooden Mast is finished and I'm looking at a used aluminum Mast and it is a 39' which is what was on the boat.My problem is the Mast is on the boat and I'm responsible for de-stepping and the boat is at Anchor.Is this possible and how should I go about it.
Thanks Masthead

[TOPGALLANT32]

Welcome,
Short answer...dont do it. long answer.....dont do it. have boat brought to dockside and lifted off with a crane. If you dont you will end up buying the whole boat.
cheers

[Factor]

Just in case you missed what topgallant said

DONT DO IT

[SaucySailoress]

LOL!!! It seems to me like before you even consider bringing the boat alongside to unstep the mast, you really need to get someone who knows what they're doing to help you! Whilst this Forum is great for offering support and advice, none of the advice you will receive can replace experience. You need to gain some basic knowledge and skills before trying to dismantle your boat!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Masthead.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard Cruiser Forum Masthead

[Seahunter]

I love girls who still can use words as "Whilst" in a simple sentence, forsooth. Avast masthead, yee'l be need'n a strong yard'm t' pry thee mast head free.

[Ninetoes]

I have a question that follows his,... usually how much does it cost to have your mast stepped and unstepped? I am getting ready for a move, I know the haul out fee, the transport fee, but not the fee to unstep the mast and then to step it afterwards.

[masthead]

Originally Posted by Ninetoes

I have a question that follows his,... usually how much does it cost to have your mast stepped and unstepped? I am getting ready for a move, I know the haul out fee, the transport fee, but not the fee to unstep the mast and then to step it afterwards.

My problem is the boat is at anchor and not able to move as far as I know and also just for salvage.But I will be on board the boat in a few days so I will have a better idea then as to what can be done or not done.
Thanks So Much For The Time And Ideas Masthead.

[Seahunter]

Originally Posted by Ninetoes

I have a question that follows his,... usually how much does it cost to have your mast stepped and unstepped? I am getting ready for a move, I know the haul out fee, the transport fee, but not the fee to unstep the mast and then to step it afterwards.

We just had our masts (Ketch) pulled on the west coast and and lifted on the east; $1500; priceless.

Some places base it by the foot, plus hourly rates for crane service and added labor fees depending on the number and type of people required; IE someone to undo wiring, rigging etc. We did ALL the disconnect and hired the crane, crane operator and two yard men. If you have any doubt about unstepping/derigging get some help as you might get a nasty surprise when disconnecting your furler(s) or backstays.

[boatsmith]

You can unstep this size of mast with a set of scissor legs and a block and tackle. This is fairly simple to do. It is worth keeping in mind that things are over your head that can kill or maim if you make a mistake. If you do the mast rigging and electric your self you can frequently pay for just crane time . I just did this at Cracked in Riviera Beach, FL. the cost was $80 for 1/2 hr of crane time. I am known there and they allow me to do the rigging for the crane so I save that cost. If you call in a crane there is usually a 3-4 hr minimum counting drive time.

[boatsmith]

`You might get a copy of Brian Toss`s book, the marlinspike sailor, as it provides knowledge and details of the ways these things were done before cranes were so available.

[Bash]

I started writing a long post showing how to use the halyard of one boat to remove another boat's mast, an operation I've engaged in twice, but decided to delete it because I didn't want the liability if someone drops a mast on his buddy's head.

Using the yacht club's boat hoist is even easier. When racing boats are taken off trailers and splashed, this sort of thing is done all the time.

[Jim Cate]

Some knowledge of the details will help us help you.

Is the mast keel or deck stepped?

How tall is the mast, and if keel stepped, how much bury is there?

Do you have access to two other boats with masts that are taller or as tall as the subject one?

We have restepped the (deckstepped) mast of a ~32 foot Horstman tri using the masts of two other cruising boats as cranes, and it wasn't too hard. But, the tri is a pretty stable platform, which makes it a bit easier.

You will need several helping hands who know what they are doing, and have quite calm conditions to do the operation.

I'd say yes, it certainly can be done, but considering your apparent lack of experience, I dunno if it is a good idea.

Cheers,

Jim

[atoll]

if it is deck stepped,and a salvage/wreck,just let go the shrouds then the uppers on one side and stand back............ then detach the rest of the rigging.
two dinghies to transport it once it is down and give it a good fresh water rinse...