Pearson P26 Hinged Step Mast?

[Sharkfan]

Has anyone had any luck installing a hinged step to their Pearson P26 mast? I have looked around different sites and Rigrite needs to know what the mfg for my mast was to quote me, but i have no idea. I measured the mast and tried to cross match it to their information on their site and no joy. My P26 was built in '71. I am wanting to apply a hinged step for easy raising and stowing of the mast and would like to find a ready made hinge set up, before i have to have something custom made. Any advise out there?

[Don C L]

Welcome aboard Sharkfan!
I would think that some photos with a tape measure next to the mast would be enough for RigRite to pin down the right hinge. Have you tried googling "mast tabernacle" too? I am not sure where you are but Ballenger Spars in Watsonville are great folks and they are my first choice for all things and all questions pertaining to rigging. You might also cut and fit a piece of cardboard around the mast to get the shape right and transfer it to paper and send it off to RigRite... or perhaps better yet a local shop who can make one up for you.. I have always had good luck with local folks who need the work, become a great contact and then are really friendly about designing and building the next item you may need.

[Sharkfan]

Thank you Don,

Ballenger Spar Systems, has the mast step hinge i need and it's on the way. I really appreciate the heads up and they were wonderful to work with. Thank you again,

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Sharkfan

Thank you Don,

Ballenger Spar Systems, has the mast step hinge i need and it's on the way. I really appreciate the heads up and they were wonderful to work with. Thank you again,

Glad it worked out for you! Yeah they are great folks who really know their stuff.
(BTW did you happen to mention that I referred you?? Maybe I'll get a nice discount next time!)

[ZULU40]

My Pearson 365 (36'-6") had a similar dilemma. The steel keel step and mast use the bilge water as electrolyte of a sort destroying both. I had to cut 68mm off my mast and needed to add that back to a higher step out of 316 stainless.

Of course this is keel stepped like many of the designs on rigrite's site, and it sounds like you are engaging in fitting a mast tabernacle which is cabin stepped to get under bridges.

[sailersteve]

Dwyer aluminum mast co. has all shape and size / measurements for all kinds of mast . just go to mast page to see what mean you might find yours. the only thing i have to do with them is as a happy customer .