Dropping a mast

[dnimigon]

What is the best way to drop the main mast while the boat is in the water. Can this be done safely. It's a 30 ft. Catalina.
Need to check out top and install new sheaves, lighting.

[Jim Cate]

The conventional way is to bring the vessel alongside somewhere and hire a crane to pull the mast out, then setting it on shore for the work to be done. When finished, reverse the process.

It can be done with the help of two other yachts, slightly larger is good. Then one rafts the three boats up with yours in the middle, and you use the halyards from the two outside boats to lift and then lower your mast to the deck. We did this some y ears ago in La Paz. The subject boat was a ~32 foot trimaran, the "crane boats" were our 36 ft mono and Motoissers (sp?) old Joshua, a 40 ft mono. Was pretty easy... and kinda fun, especially with a few Pacificos to lubricate the crew afterwards.

Good luck with it.

Jim

[dnimigon]

Heh Jim
Thanks for the reply. Actually our boat is in PVR at the main Marina Vallarta. We do have a free in and out at Opeckimar so was going to get them to pull it down as they do have a crane apparently. We live in Alberta Canada and going back down for Xmas. Was going to pull it out, change the through hulls and sea cocks as they are old and on borrowed time. Was going to also go for the newer LED lighting that's available. Will save on power usage for sure. Catalina Direct has most of what we need. Question though if I could. I see their sea cocks are around 20-30 dollars each for what I need. I have seen at local major hardware chains the plastic ball valves that I can get for half that amount. I have used these on hot tubs with no issues. Do you see any problem using these. I can't see why the salt water would affect a plastic ball valve. The through hulls I would get the proper ones.

[Weyalan]

Most yacht clubs (hereabouts, at least) have a mast crane. Usually pulling a mast from a 30 footer will be no problem.