mast lowering system

[emailnomad66]

Hi,

in my mac26M, I have a CDI roller furling system. Every time I try to take the mast down, the forestay has to be loosened (normal), and this makes the rib fall on one side. Consequently, when lowering the mast, it tends to swing from side to side, and requires someone else to give the mast a helping hand to stay centered.

Now, I saw the system in the Imexus 28, and I really liked it. In their system, the forestay stays attached to something, and the whole mast is supported by 3 additional shrouds which help the mast to arc properly and jib does not tend to wiggle. I really liked this system. They have a sheet that goes from the top of the mast, thru a block at the bow and comes back to the cockpit. Lowering the mast is a matter of removing the forestay from the bow, and then feeding the sheet to lower the mast. Any comments/suggestions on mods to the "imexus" type raising system on my mac? Anyone tried this?

Love to hear from you folks.

Regards,

-- Amanul

[K9Kampers]

and models use similar but different mast raising systems. Both use "baby stays" to keep the mast from swinging side to side and allow raise & lower in a controlled manner. 'Mast raising systems' and 'baby stays' are popular topics in the archives.

[Capt Sully]

On the mast raising / lowering system pole with the winch, there are 2 cables that you attach to each side of the deck to keep the Mast become stable. The first time I raised or stepped the mast, I didn't use those cables which cause the Mast to swing side to side.

[Hamin' X]

If you are having trouble centering the mast in the mast crutch, just step on one, or the other of the baby stays as you are lowering the mast and you can center it right up. I let the furler ride on my shoulder when raising, or lowering the mast.

~Rich

[FLembo18]

Say that's a good plan Rich, never thought of that, I'm going to try that idea this coming season. Thanks !
Frank L.

[pokerrick1]

If you are having trouble centering the mast in the mast crutch, just step on one, or the other of the baby stays as you are lowering the mast and you can center it right up.
~Rich

This is exactly how Mike Inmon taught me how to do it when I bought my M.

Rick Less

[opie]

To prevent the furled foresail from swinging far and wide and even over the side, which causes a pull on the lowering mast to one side or the other, just bungee-cord the furled foresail to the mast just above your head on the upright mast after you disconnect the foresail from the forestay. When raising the mast, just do the same bungee-cord attachment at the same location to the mast before lifting the mast.

The are several methods to get the mast up and down, all worthy of study. Each Mac owner will have their own preference.