[Rhodes22-list] Lowering the Mast To The Stern

Tue Sep 21 17:58:00 EDT 2004

Todd,

Thanks for jumping in on this.  Your experience with the older Rhodes is
helpful.  A couple of things:  First, I'm not familiar with Roger's T-handle
field expedient method.  Maybe you or Roger can enlighten us.  Second, I've
never seen the eye-straps-connected-to-the handrail setup, but I think I'm
going to let that one go since I don't think many of us are using that.
Same goes for using the trailer winch which requires a different crane pole
and some other stuff and is beyond the scope of this thread.

You're right--"Caution" should be changed to "Danger" and put at the top.
Thanks.

Slim

On 9/19/04 1:19 PM, "Todd Tavares" <sprocket80 at mail.com> wrote:

> 
>  Slim,
> 
>        Did I miss the checklist for raising the mast?
> 
>        I think your caution should say DANGER!! and be at the
>  beginning.  It should also contain a statement about looking for
>  overhead wires and obstructions....not only where you are rigging up,
>  but between there and the launch ramp.  Some marinas and public ramps
>  do not cater to sailboaters or have set rigging
>  areas. Somewhere around step 18 or 19, it can be noted to tug very
>  very lightly on either of the shrouds (or guide lines) if needed to be
>  sure the mast lands on the crutch.
> 
>   I would feel more confortable if the steps for raising are written
>  out, instead of just reversing the steps.
> 
>       It seems that most of the changes in the stern raising/lowering
>  method have been how to stabilize the mast beam-wise while raising and
>  lowering.  Whether to connect the forestay before the lower forward
>  shrouds is a matter of personal preference provided one or better yet
>  both are connected BEFORE the aft lowers are un hooked from the crane
>  pole.
> 
>      One variation to the shroud extenders was to screw tiny eye
>  straps to the mast.  Light lines were attached between these eyes and
>  secured to the brackets slid onto the cabin top handrails; which are
>  positioned slightly aft of the mast bolt slot.  This is the method
>  described in the instructions on the document library page. With this
>  method, the forward shrouds are not used in raising.  Connecting the
>  forward lower shrouds before the crane pole is disconnected is
>  stressed.  See
>  [1]http://www.rhodes22.org/doclib/Rhodes22-1988-MastHoist-Raven.pdf
> 
>      I used this method the few times I raised and lowered my mast.  I
>  even stopped lowering once with the mast at about 50 degrees of tilt
>  to re-adjust the tension on one of these lines. But I must point out
>  that I use a home-made trailer winch system.  It is generally modeled
>  after the GB system, uses a two speed (two gear range) winch, and is
>  much sturdier.
> 
>      Another variation found in the FAQ's is/was used by Rik.   He said
>  he attached the forward lowers to the mast crane pole, and attached
>  the aft lowers to the forward's lowers chainplates using the
>  extenders.  I still like Roger's T-handle "field expedient" method.
> 
>  Todd
> 
>  ----- Original Message -----
>  From: "Bill Effros"
>  Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2004 07:46:57 -0400
>  To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list"
>  Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Lowering the Mast To The Stern
>> Slim,
>> 
>> At this time of year I think it makes more sense to work on Lowering
>  the Mast to the Stern. That's what most of us will be doing, so it
>  will be fresh in all of our minds.
>> 
>> Let's build on the outline below.
>> 
>> Let's use the format "1. -- 1.1 -- 1.2 -- 1.2.1--2." etc. Indenting
>  once for each decimal point. Let's get 12a out of there, and put it
>  where it belongs.
>> 
>> That way anyone can jump in with a 13.4.3 and state an idea as
>  briefly as possible. The list compiler (in this case that means you)
>  can insert the instruction where it is supposed to go, and repost the
>  checklist. Then we can go back to fighting about the proper way to rig
>  a boat, and the relevance of a Loos Gauge for a while.
>> 
>> Your checklist looks good to me. It will be interesting to see how
>  others fill in the blanks that I don't even see.
>> 
>> Bill
>> 
>> 
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Steve Alm
>> To: Rhodes
>> Sent: Friday, September 17, 2004 4:33 PM
>> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Lowering the Mast To The Stern
>> 
>> 
>> LOWERING THE MAST TO THE STERN:
>> 
>> 1. Disconnect the back stay tensioning line
>> 2. Disconnect the boom from the traveler
>> 3. Remove the traveler bar
>> 4. Hoist the boom up with the topping lift and cleat it off on the
>  mast
>> 5. Disconnect the pop top slider and close the hatch
>> 6. Disconnect the radio and steaming light
>> 7. Wrap up jib sheets and jib reefing line
>> 8. Disconnect forward lower shrouds and add extensions
>> 9. Loosen all other shroud turnbuckles
>> 10. Deploy a nd secure mast crutch
>> 11. Deploy and secure hoist crane to cabin top block
>> 12. Attach aft lower shrouds to crane
>> 12a Alternate: Attach line from crane to mast bail if you're thus
>  equipped
>> 13. Tie hoist winch line to bow cleat with a bowline
>> 14. Snug the hoist to slack the bow stay
>> 15. Disconnect bow stay
>> 16. Crank the hoist "down" giving the mast a little shove to get it
>  started
>> 17. Check the shroud extensions as you lower to avoid entanglement.
>> 18. Tend the jib as you lower
>> 19. Lower the mast to the crutch
>> 20. Disconnect mast from tabernacle
>> 21. walk mast, boom and jib forward and secure the whole bundle on
>  the bow
>> pulpit.
>> 
>> CAUTION: Never let anyone stand under the mast while lowering
>> 
>> __________________________________________________
>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>> _____________ _____________________________________
>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>  --
> 
>  ___________________________________________________________
>  Sign-up for Ads Free at Mail.com
>  [2]http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup
> 
> References
> 
>  1. http://www.rhodes22.org/doclib/Rhodes22-1988-MastHoist-Raven.pdf
>  2. 
> http://mail01.mail.com/scripts/payment/adtracking.cgi?bannercode=adsfreejump01
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list