Mast pin to replace bolt

[Mark Prouty]

Is there a pin to replace this bolt?

The bolt at the base of the mast is a hassel when raising and lowering the mast. Seems like a gotch ya everytime time I launch.

I think this was posted before but I couldn't find it.

[DLT]

I just drilled through the end of mine and insert a hitch pin through that hole... Yes, I've gone tool-less and LOVE it!!!

Of course, you probably need a drill press to do it... It may be possible to do free hand, but it would be a real pain in the butt...

[Billy]

I just use a ss rod bent in the shape of a lazy L. Drilled a hole near each end. Ground the long end to a rounded point and use a R clip (don't know the proper name) to retain it in place. The 2nd hole has a wire running to the R clip so it doesn't fall overboard. I also use these in the mast base and the crutch when trailering. (Also supports my radar when mounted.) Saves a few minutes and don't need any wrenches.

Mark, do I need to draw you a picture?
(I hope you know, I'm just kidding.)

[ALX357]

BWY sells them for 10 dollars, SS pins drilled on both ends and a ring welded shut for one end, large ring-ding on the other. I use one for the bow pulpit (necessary to have two fender washers too there), one at the crutch, one stays in the mast step (mast up or down), and one stays in the gin-pole holes, on the mast step plate, plus i keep a couple of spares on hand, really am "hooked" on them now.... and like leaving them where they are used and put wire tethers on them so they don't get lost. The mast step pin and the gin-pole pin are just connected together by the tether, because only one at a time is pulled, and the other will retain it from getting away.

[Mark Prouty]

Mark, do I need to draw you a picture?
(I hope you know, I'm just kidding.)

Billy,

I've always appreciated your pictures. Your pictures gave me the confidence to hook-up my mac to my beamer.

[Mark Prouty]

Thanks all for your responses.

[Mark Prouty]

I found a post by Bill at Boats 4 Sail and ordered this mast pin:





I put bigger ring dings on the ends. It is a very nice mast pin and can be purchased at Dwyer Aluminum Mast Company, Inc.

The part number is DH 2150P. The pins are $6.90 each.

[joncon17]

What a kick pulling with a beamer, next bottle of Jack Im trying a Harley Pull

[Steve]

I found a post by Bill at Boats 4 Sail and ordered this mast pin:





I put bigger ring dings on the ends. It is a very nice mast pin and can be purchased at Dwyer Aluminum Mast Company, Inc.

The part number is DH 2150P. The pins are $6.90 each.

Think I may order a few of these too! Anyone think I should consider another above this one (see above)?

Thanks,

Steve

[Mark Prouty]

Steve,

You never noticed my pup Gromit in the picture!!

[Steve]

Steve,

You never noticed my pup Gromit in the picture!!

Mark,

Do you mean the puppy in the picture's name is Gromit?
I thought the picture was just there for size comparison. Really cute dog, of course it IS a puppy, wait til it get's bigger, it'll eat you out of house and home!



Steve

[argonaut]

How are these pins workin' ?
Those dang bolts have to go!

Also didn't Sloop John have a pin of some kind he was trying?

[Greg]

I purchased 3/8 in hitch pins from the local tractor supply. They have the goldish color finish to prevent rust (galvanized?), come with clip and have a nice big handle which is handy when the rig is on a bind, all for around $2.00. I bought 3- one for mast base, one for crutch and a spare.
One more thing, if you don't trust the clips alone, run a bungie around the mast and hook to the handle- belt and suspender fix.

Greg

[Hamin' X]

They have the goldish color finish to prevent rust (galvanized?),

They are actually cadmium plated. Does help with the rust problem. I use them on my tractor and implements and they work quite well. I have some that are over 20 years old with no rust. However, the newer ones are rusting after just a couple of years. I think the newer ones are now made in China. 'nough said.

[argonaut]

I saw a tractor pin too but it was like $6 each and the handle was enormous, so I followed DLT's lead & just bought longer SS bolts then cut & shaped the ends & drilled for circle clips. Took about an hour to make 5 of 'em.
Seems like I made them 4 1/8" from bolt head inside edge to the edge of the pin's hole. I used 1" ring dings.
Finally I'm almost boltless! Now I need a couple of shorter ones for the rudders.