I always sail by myself, and just lift the mast up and down manually (Prindle 16).
As I came in to the beach last week, a guy asked me how I raised the mast, and I told him how the process worked for me. Afterwards, it got me to thinking that I will probably not be able to do it this way forever.
Is anyone making mast stepping systems any more? Some places say they sell them, but they're always out of stock. Any recommendations for use with this boat?
thanks
Matt
mast stepping
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Posted: Feb 11, 2025 - 09:08 PM
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Posted: Feb 12, 2025 - 05:59 PM
I ended up buying just the end piece of a mast stepper 2 that Hobie made and added my own aluminum tube and eye bolts. Had to re-bend it myself to fit the profile of my mast, but it appears to work. Haven’t tried it yet other than to fit it. I’m with you on the issue though.
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Chuck C
NACRA 500 Mk2
Hobie 21se (sold)
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Posted: Feb 13, 2025 - 12:15 AM
Mast stepping system also known as a gin pole. I think the reason there aren't any commercially available systems is that there are too many variables in boats to have a universal fit and it's simple to make your own. Search gin pole mast stepping on YouTube and watch as many as it takes to gain a understanding of how simple it is to make your own system that works for your situation.
I use my trap lines hooked outboard to the forward aka so it's in line with the mast base to hold the mast in column while raising and the trailer winch connected to the main halyard to hoist. The gin pole can be as simple as a 5ft 2x4 lashed to the base of the mast. I use a section of someone else's broken mast. Connect lines from the top of the gin pole to the aka to hold the pole in column also. It takes me 20 minutes from when I get to the parking lot to putting my boat in the water ready to hoist sail using my homemade system. Everybody's situation is a little different and it takes a bit of fussing around to dial it in, but once you get it single handed set up is a breeze.
The bore
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Dart 20
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Posted: Feb 13, 2025 - 12:19 PM
Thanks both of you for the explanation. I understand the principle, and had hoped to avoid having to make something, but oh well.
The Prindle doesn't have the same trampoline as the Hobies - I don't know where I'd attach the trapeze lines - that's the big stumbling block. I suppose I could use some line and attach at the bridle tangs - I'll have to think some more about it.
thanks
Matt -
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Posted: Feb 13, 2025 - 01:30 PM
I don't know the prindle 16 but from the photos it looks like you could place one of these under the outboard bolt on the aka to attach the trapeze line to without it being too intrusive when sailing. In order for the trapeze lines to keep the mast in column when raising they have to be in line with the mast base.
https://nautos-usa.com/products/ht4035-eye-loop-316-stainless-steel
The bore
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Dart 20
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Posted: Feb 13, 2025 - 04:57 PM
Good idea - thanks! -
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Posted: Feb 13, 2025 - 09:41 PM
I've seen a lot of these in various forms. The one that is the most memorable went something like this: The trailer mast yoke was adjustable to get the proper angle. The trailer winch mounted on the yoke was electric and had a remote control. The guy raising the mast was able to do it while standing on the tramp. He was able to keep the mast straight just by holding it as it went up. After attaching the headstay, he removed the winch line that was looped around the mast above the spreaders. I'm not sure how he removed it.
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Bill Townsend
G-Cat 5.0
Sarasota
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Posted: Feb 19, 2025 - 06:00 PM
The extendable mast yoke on the trailer can be a big help if you load your catamaran on the trailer backwards. To step your mast you slide it forward until you can attach it to the crossbar, then use the halyard or forestay to bring it further vertical. If you have an extendable yoke on the trailer you can do that before or after you attach it to the crossbar, based on which is easier, but you won't need much additional height to gain the leverage you want.
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Sheet In!
Bob
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Prindle 18-2 #244 "Wakizashi"
Prindle 16 #3690 "Pegasus" Sold (sigh)
AZ Multihull Fleet 42 member
(Way) Past Commodore of Prindle Fleet 14
Arizona, USA
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Posted: Feb 20, 2025 - 12:59 PM
As previously stated, having your boat on the trailer backwards makes it a lot easier if you're alone. The main reason being the mast will be elevated a few feet before you start to lift it up. However there are a few issues that should be considered before switching to that method: If you need to drain your hulls frequently, if you choose to go to some kind of mechanical assist to raise the mast there's no place for the winch and the way the boat sits on the trailer might not be the best for secure tie down. I done it both ways and right now I have my boat facing forward and I place a six foot A-frame ladder behind the boat. The ladder has a piece of PVC mounted on the top so the mast slides easily and and two side pieces. I tie each side of the ladder to the rudder castings. I have to say however, if you're not worried about draining the hulls frequently and you're able to tie you're boat down securely and you have no plans for a mechanical assist, skip carrying the ladder and turn your boat around facing backwards.
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Bill Townsend
G-Cat 5.0
Sarasota
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