raise mast before launch?

[saltyrogue]

Are there any problems with raising the mast while the boat is still on the trailer and then launching. I am not sure how unstable the boat would be with the mast up and the ballast tank empty. I know that two adults stepping aboard at the same time will cause an alarming dip.

Thanks.

Dave

[Trouts Dream]

Its much easier to raise the mast while on the trailer. Wave action during the raising can be disconcerting but even more importantly whne things fall overboard you can find them if you are on dry land.

[Paulieb]

I would also agree that it is easier to raise the mast while one the trailer.
Just ensure that you have clearence for the raised mast on your way from where you are parked to the ramp.
Check for power lines, tree limbs, or any other obstructions.

Paulieb

[pokerrick1]

What Trout & Paulieb siad - - -much easier to rig the boat on the trailer than on the water + you can retrieve things you drop.

Go ahead and check for wires in the way of your mast when splashing - - - but anyone who puts wires in this spot should be shot on the spot

Rick

PS There could be obstructions other than wires I suppose

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

That is the standard way to rig a Mac, on the trailer before you launch. Just make sure you can get from the parking lot to the ramp without the mast hitting any obstructions. Raising the mast on the water is certainly doable, but can complicate things.

Our 'X' boat is perfectly stable without ballast. Your 'S' has a rounder hull and may be more tender, but it will be just fine with the mast up after launch. Since you would never motor faster than hull speed in your 'S' I would launch and then fill the ballast before leaving the dock.

We have cruised for thousands of miles over the last 10 years with the mast up and the ballast empty in all kinds of weather and sea conditions without any stability issues. I never motor for any distance without emptying the ballast tank. Motoring around with ballast in is just a way to waste fuel. Ballast is for sailing only as far as I'm concerned. (I do fill the tank when under power if the seas are steep, 4'-6', and tightly spaced as this makes the ride smoother and the heavier boat keeps the hull in the water better.)

[Sumner]

I would have ballast in an at all times. We forgot once and didn't get but about 1/8 of a mile out in the lake and wondered why the boat was so tippy. Filled the ballast and everything was fine again,

Sum

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[technicalman]

Roger shows where you can lower and raise the mast on the water in his videos.

I don't like this. I find the boat rocks too much and it doesn't feel safe to me. much better to raise the mast on the trailer. you have more control that way.

[restless]

I've raised our stick with a f4-5 crosswind... was a little nervous but no sweat.
I left the trailer strap on as a 'just in case'
First rig of the season... so manouvered her into the wind to put the genny in the track...
The trailer strap tail flapped out and went under the trailer wheel
The belt descended about 4" clean through my starbord gunwale very suddenly. (they don't have a smiley for throwing up?!)
I'd post a pic but it is still too upsetting. It has been repaired now, so is 4xstronger than before, and I'm just in the final stages of tarting up the area with anti-slip strips, ss outer rope-rub edge and some ss decking with a winch and a few cleats so it'll all be better than before.
I now hook my strap to itself rather than on the trailer lugs, this way the strap tail can never go anywhere dodgy, should it unwind.
Take care and learn from my pain!

[Threms]

Are there any problems with raising the mast while the boat is still on the trailer and then launching. I am not sure how unstable the boat would be with the mast up and the ballast tank empty. I know that two adults stepping aboard at the same time will cause an alarming dip.

Thanks.

Dave

To the mast raise system, there is anchor lines, so the mast wont tilt, when the boat does.

But be careful, they do not take any pressure. My broke off while mast raising, and there wasn’t really any tilt on the boat, it was on the trailer. Damages: mast foot bended, ugly scraping in the gel coat, whiplash from the wire on my arm, and a nabo who has been teasing me ever since.

So the recommendations are:
Change the hooks/Karabinhooks on the supporting wires on the mast raising system, to some stronger ones.

When the mast starts to lift off the boat, spin smooth but fast, the dangerous part is after lift off, and before 45-60 degrees.

I find it easy to do it my self, if you are 2, the other one takes care of the ropes and wires.

I find it easyer to raise the mast on land, it sticks out alot behind the boat, in the harbour, once you set the mastfoot in place.

[restless]

on the subject of the baby stays, looking at the geometry would imply that they ought to be at a fairly constant tension as the mast goes up. However, I find that they need to be fairly slack.. I've got turnbuckles on these and sometimes have to loosen them off as the mast approaches its zenith. Not a massive issue, but just a wee niggle. Anyone else familiar with this?
Cheers