Using the Bow rail as a Gin Pole

[Gypsy]

I could put my about 6 feet .

I am thinking about using them not as support , but as guides while raising .

The mast swinging away and dropping could have been a disaster !
I don't want it happening again.

We practiced several times ,in the yard , over the winter , but it was a world of difference on a rocking boat .
Its something we have to get good at , because I am sure there will be times , when the mast must come down / go up in less than ideal conditions .

[sbods]

Pretty sure that the baby stays are more than 4 feet high... not sure they are as high as six though?

As for using the Bow rail..... I would not advise it personally, I think that the initial stresses / load would be too great.

[Gypsy]

While down on the boat , last night , I discovered holes drilled in my mast approximately 6 feet up.
I bet these are predrilled at the factory for baby stay installation , if the option is bought.

I am thinking /scheming /designing something where I can attach stays while raising the mast , then remove them , once its up.

[Russ]

While down on the boat , last night , I discovered holes drilled in my mast approximately 6 feet up.
I bet these are predrilled at the factory for baby stay installation , if the option is bought.

I am thinking /scheming /designing something where I can attach stays while raising the mast , then remove them , once its up.

Yup, I'm sure that's exactly what they are for. My boom also has 2 holes drilled where the boom vang (if purchased) would go.

My M has a bale in front of the mast attached with those 2 holes. That's where I attach the baby stays which go down to the base of the lifeline stanchions. It's a clever design as it keeps the mast from pivoting side to side while raising it. My mast raising system uses cable, presumably because it won't stretch. The mast raising system is not rocket science and could easily be fabricated.


--Russ