<< Subj: RE: IM Mast Raising System (MRS) a users report...
Intracoastal sailing...
Date: 4/1/99 5:26:23 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: TiffanyD@phibred.com (Tiffany, Doug)
To: Aquadarmar@cs.com ('Aquadarmar@cs.com'), wwpotter@tscnet.com
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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Why can't one construct some sort of quick release friction clamp that will
clamp the fulcrum pole anywhere you want it on the mast and allow it to be
attached and detached "quickly". All the messing around with bolts and
wingnuts and stays is just to much trouble.
If a young fit crew (certainly not a description of myself) were to attach
the MRS as instructed, but sans fulcrum pole, raise the mast manually as
high as possible and start a-pullin' on the line, would he get the mast up
without much of a struggle???
Doug
>>
My wife lifts and lowers mast on water. So ease of lifting is most important
concern. I cannot lift/lower mast with my funky right hand.
I responded directly to Aquadarmar@cs.com ('Aquadarmar@cs.com') and did not
copy group. Basically after going under Fed Hwy bridge with mast down and
fulcrum pole sticking up I realized that pole is just right size for my needs
and should remain where its at. A pole at base of mast would make it a lot
easier to lift mast but would not allow transit under bridge. I will remove
that cheek block at end of fulcrum pole and use an eyebolt. I fear those
metal straps may cut into my free furling and swinging lapper sail. I also
feel use of one bolt for mini stays and fulcrum pole was pretty smart.
I toyed with idea of using metal straps to attach a longer fulcrum pole (I
made one out of 1 1/2" wood pole and a 3" pvc Tee.) firmly to base of mast
but have quit trying.
Once you lift mast with pulley system above 20+ degrees off horizontal,
pulleys allow lifting without fulcrum pole. However, you must be 6' + tall
and stand on cockpit seats to achieve lift off... I am height challenged for
that operation...
What I do need, is to come up with a way to support mast attached to its base
while I motor around with rudder attached. I like to fix motor in one
position and use rudder to steer. I am comtemplating an upside down Y support
attached to stern cleats on both sides and mast on top of Y. That would allow
clearance for rudder to swing and would not clutter cockpit.
Best
SF