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Old 28-05-2013, 11:33   #1
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Join Date: Dec 2005
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Boat: 36' steel cutter
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Your advice to remove/restep keel-stepped mast?

Have you done this? What's your advice?

We have to remove the keel-stepped mast from our 36' steel cutter (double spreader, twin backstays). When you unstepped your keel-stepped mast, was there anything you wished you'd known ahead of time? What would you do differently next time?

Some maybe-not-important details: Boat is currently on the hard. We will have to store the mast on deck as boat is trailered down the road for a bottom job. Then we'll restep the mast. We'll be using the yard crane (any tips about strap placement?).

Also, how long did the process take you? Was it harder coming out, or going back in? Why?

Thank you for your experience and advice!
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Old 28-05-2013, 12:14   #2
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Boat: Rafiki 37
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Re: Your advice to remove/restep keel-stepped mast?

Hi Bluewater, while I've never owned a boat with a keel-stepped mast, I've helped step and unstep many of them. There's nothing too complicated about this process ... just take it slowly. The most important thing is to make sure the lifting pull is directly vertical. You don't want the mast to swing once it starts its lift.

In preparation, you'll need to remove anything securing it to the base, and disconnect all electrical. Remove the mast collar and loosen or remove the wedges around the mast/deck junction. Removing wind instruments or antennas from the masthead is also a good idea. It's not necessary, but it does make the job a bit easier.

Some people lift from the second spreader. This makes for a very heavy foot when coming down, but it can be done. I like to lift from just above the centre of the mast (be sure to take into account the below-deck section). To do that I position the sling with a looped line extending from the mast winch or gooseneck, up to just past the mid-point.

The most important thing is to go slowly. Be aware of any building tension -- especially with non-manual cranes.
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Old 28-05-2013, 12:32   #3
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Location: Portland, Maine
Boat: Caliber 40LRC
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Re: Your advice to remove/restep keel-stepped mast?

I assume you are talking about having a yard do this. I would not let anyone unstep my mast unless they have adequate experience. It can all go wrong very quickly and people can get seriously hurt with a mast that big.

Our club has a crane that works for most boats under 35'. We require a signed waiver, at least 4 people and two of them have to have experience doing this before.

BTW, once you find the optimum placement for the lifting strap, mark your mast for future un-steppings.
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Old 28-05-2013, 12:52   #4
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Re: Your advice to remove/restep keel-stepped mast?

I'd have a tin of zinc chromate primer ready, to paint the mast step and the bottom 6" of the mast.
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Old 28-05-2013, 14:12   #5
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Re: Your advice to remove/restep keel-stepped mast?

Find out how the trucker needs the mast once down to be positioned on the boat for its trailer ride, that is, where and how much overlap, bow and stern. You will need padding and lots of line to secure it to your satisfaction.

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Old 28-05-2013, 14:30   #6
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Re: Your advice to remove/restep keel-stepped mast?

Once I have seen a guy having issues lifting the stick out and pulling on it. Do not.

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Old 28-05-2013, 14:53   #7
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Location: Sea of Cortez and the U.P. of Michigan
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Re: Your advice to remove/restep keel-stepped mast?

One quick tip: If your saloon table is close to your mast make sure you remove it to keep it from harm. A friend busted his all up when unstepping his mast. That was his only issue.
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Old 28-05-2013, 15:11   #8
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Re: Your advice to remove/restep keel-stepped mast?

I don't know what type of boot you have on the mast but pay it and the partners some attention before restepping. On your size mast a section of inner tube usually provides a waterproof seal.
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