[Rhodes22-list] Roger's T-Handle Field Expedient Method

Tue Sep 21 20:20:57 EDT 2004

Slim,

Before I installed the GBI single-handed mast raising system, I used my two
sons pulling on a T-Handle on the forestay while I helped from the cockpit,
to raise & lower the mast.  At the time, the boys were a little young, so it
was helpful if their combined horsepower could be brought to bear against
the load.  The attached picture shows my T-Handle setup on my forestay,
ready for use.  The T-Handle permits more than one person to get a good
solid grip for pulling on the forestay.  Now that the boys are older, they
have the good sense to usually not be around when its time to raise or lower
the mast.  So, the T-Handle does not get much use these days & I usually
have to take the time to rig up the GBI single handed mast raising system.
If the human horsepower is available, the T-Handle is much quicker.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Alm" <salm at mn.rr.com>
To: "Rhodes" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 5:58 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Lowering the Mast To The Stern

> 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.
> >
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> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>
>
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