Gin Pole for a V25

[RonRock]

I recently bought a V25. When I got her home I had my son help me walk the mast. That was when I realized that I was going to have to come up with a Gin Pole in order to raise and lower the mast myself. It is just too awkward and heavy to do alone without help. So I've looked around the forum and see several examples of how others have built or use the OEM Gin Pole on their Mac's. As well as a lot of discussion on Baby Stays. I've got the general idea, but have found no specifics as to length of the pole itself. Or how to attach it to the bottom of the mast. From what I have seen the later model Macs have the mast mounting plate made with extra holes for a Gin Pole pivot, but my Venture only has the elongated hole for the mast bolt.

Does anybody make a Gin Pole that I can buy for my boat? Better yet can anyone tell me (Show me with pictures) how to build my own? Seems straight forward enough, but pole length and pivot connections seem important enough that I ask for guidance.


Thanks,
Ron

Oh, is it Gin or Jin Pole? I've seen it both ways.

[heinzir]

Check this out:
http://foleyisland.com/?category_name=r ... of-newport
(this is not my boat or site)

The Venture of Newport 23 uses the same mast as the V25. Scroll down to the "Mast Raising System." This is a homemade version of the current mast raising system sold by Macgregor for the 26M. I made a similar system also using a 6' 2 X 4. I didn't put a base on the bottom and don't attach it to the mast or boat. I added some eyebolts near the bottom so I could strap it down but have never needed to. I do brace it with my foot but it has never needed even this. I did not add a block to double the purchase as the winch is powerful enough. Note that with this system the pole does not move. It remains stationary as the mast is pulled up.

I've had my boat for over 30 years and tried many different ways to raise the mast; this is by far the best and easiest to use.

Henry

[WTIDinCa12]

Blue Water Yachts sold me the entire mast raising kit for my Mac25. They supply a new mast base and and the eyes for the baby stays. Took me less than an hour to install and is easily removed once the mast is up. Very easy.

[Freedom77]

There a couple of videos on the web showing gin (jin) pole setups for Venture/mac. Also contact Bluewater Marine in Seattle 800-688-8626. they specialize in mac stuff and are always helpful. There is a 300 mile transmission line running from Hoover Dam to Los Angeles. It has been modified but was originally erected in the 1930's using mules and gin poles and manpower

[finding41]

I removed the pole form my boat. The PO had made one that was rusting and just plane ugly. It really banged around in the cabin as well. I never used it. I raised the mast on my 26D myself. (I put ladders up allot as a contractor so if the foot or bottom is attached its easy.) The baby stays help allot as its a pane climbing over the top while lifting. I was surprised but am now thinking it would help to do something similar with rope and my 40'er.
It's behind my shed if anyone wants it.