M26 Rotating Mast -

[Parlanaich]

Issue: The "self-rotating" mast on our frequently does not rotate, particularly in light winds.

Research: Discussions on lubricant, Teflon washer replacement and other methods were found in this and other forums. Talking with other owners produced varied approaches including ignore it and "never had a problem".

Objective: Find a way to keep the mast rotating as designed without the need to go up on top every time it hangs up.

Method and equipment: Lolling on the rear deck one day, contemplating the spare parts in the tool box - VOILA! - Two lengths of 5/16 braided line secured to the vang shackle at the flange on the mast base running 90 deg through the extra blocks on the jib rails ('Skye' has a Genoa, no jib), then tied off on the stanchions just ahead of the cockpit.

Verification: Sea trials* this past week verified the premise - light tug on the line helps the mast rotate to the desired position. No goo, no muss no fuss.

whudja tink?

cheers,
Rick


* note: the term "sea trials" is used colloquially, simply because "lake trials" just doesn't sound right.

[parrothead]

Rick,

I agree, light air mast rotation is problematic - even more so since we've added tension to the shrouds. Silicone spray on the washers helps, but I also implemented "direct assistance" lines earlier this season. Our setup is essentially the same as yours - we used 1/4" lines attached to the vang bail and ran them through a set of added standard Mac jib blocks that are installed in the forward holes in the jib tracks [even though we have the working jib, we never use that forward-most setting for the jib sheets]. The lines terminate in plastic balls salvaged from some old bungees - providing something easy to tug on. Works great!

Doug

[DAVEWVU86]

I noticed earlier this year that unless there were heavy winds present my mast would some how always end up on the starboard side. So, the next time I lowered my mast to adjust my headstay tension I smeared automotive axle grease all over the washers at the mast/mast plate joint. It took a trip or two to get worked around but it seems to rotate with minimal effort. Depending on how often you lower you mast this may be an easier fix. I think a yearly application each spring should fix the issue. For the most part I have crew with very little sailing experience. It's quite desireable to limit the number of lines on the boat.

[Bransher]

Automotive axle grease is messy stuff if it gets on the white gel-coat deck, and it tends to "run" when subjected to high temperatures.

I use, and would recommend Starbrite Trailer Hitch Lube. It is clear in color, and according to the manufacturer is impervious to fresh and salt water, super slick yet adheres well, and protects from -65°F to 650°F. You might already be using it to lube your trailer hitch ball. I took the mast step plate apart and coated the washers with this stuff and it seems to work very well.

[baldbaby2000]

I have the problem in light winds. Just got done with 7 days of racing on Lake of the Woods and had to go forward several times to rotate it when the winds are light. If it not rotated it makes a slow boat even slower!

Daniel

[waternwaves]

And I here I have been putting vaseline on the hitches for years with no problem.......

guess I better stop

[RandyMoon]

Rick, my first thought was why have more lines on the deck, but I get aggravated in light winds when the mast does not rotate. I have kept it lubed (no vaseline) and most of the time it comes around OK, but in light wind (when you need all the aerodynamics you can get) it does get aggrevating.

So all in all - Good idea. It would be nice to have a quick setup so that when you are going to sail in light wind, you can easily connect the Master Brater Rotater Gizmo.

[pokerrick1]

I think a line to the boom vang base is a great idea and I'll do it this week. But guys, don't forget when you are spraying down your boat after a sail to squirt the area underneath the mast and clear it of any gunk! That will also help mast rotation - - - especially in salt water

Rick

[Terry]

Yea, I also had that problem with the mast not rotating in light air and some heavier air. Even though I have the BWY bearing kit, and I greased it this season before going out, the problem started manifesting itself after purchase of the Loos Guage. I managed to get those shrouds & forestay very snug, but in doing so, I put extra force on that bearing, enough to keep it from rotating as easily as it did before the tuning. So I also installed a couple bullet blocks at the mast base plate where the vang attaches and at the stantions where the extra fairleads are to provide extra purchase power and ran the lines to the aft stantions. Problem solved, now I just grab the lines and tug that mast around to where it should be. Cheap solution.

[beene]

Along the lines of tugging to fix the rotation issue, if mine decides it does not want to cooperate, I just grab the point where the main sheet attaches to the boom, or the horn cleat at the end of the boom, and give it a tug. So far, works every time.

G

[MSN-Travelers]

Terry,

I ordered the BWY bearing kit and it just arrived. Can you tell me what size tools (wrenches/sockets) you used to remove the base plate and then swap out the washers for the bearing? The boat is 90 miles away and I would like to avoid taking the whole tool set with me when I head for the marina.

Paul

[Paul S]

Terry,

I ordered the BWY bearing kit and it just arrived. Can you tell me what size tools (wrenches/sockets) you used to remove the base plate and then swap out the washers for the bearing? The boat is 90 miles away and I would like to avoid taking the whole tool set with me when I head for the marina.

Paul

I have heard of a few bearings failing under use. Since pressure doesn't get applied to the bearings evenly..I would not be surprised they don't last long in this application.

Not sure what size wrenches off the top of my head

Paul

[Terry]

IIRC there is only one bolt to undo on the mast and a screw. It was a while back so I don't remember the size but I do remember it was a quick and simple job and really all you need is a couple different larger sized wrenches and vice grips plus a little philips screwdriver for that screw to save hauling the whole tool box. You do have to bring the mast down though (Duh).

I have heard of a few bearings failing under use. Since pressure doesn't get applied to the bearings evenly..I would not be surprised they don't last long in this application.

I suspect there is much truth in this statement, but then what do you expect for $20.00! IIRC mine was housed in hard plastic, perhaps now they are metal.

[Paul S]

i believe they are metal of some sort now. ours works fine.. doesn't rotate as easily in lite winds as I would like..but not the end of the world.

It is amazing what a difference the rotating mast makes. I usually pin the mast going down wind.. but I forget and don't un-pin it.. when I do..it does make a measurable difference

Paul

[KayakDan]

My mast bearing(BWY) self destructed,but I found it was because the step plate was slightly twisted. I straightened the plate, put the washers back in,lubed them,and it 's fine.
I will probably put another bearing in next year.