Mast Support

[Versatile]

Do you think I have a good idea ... since all parts already exist on a Mac ...

[vizwhiz]

Might need to put that in perspective...is it a replacement for the existing mast crutch? An additional support?

[K9Kampers]

Looks like a mast support at the mast base. Many variations of this including 2X4 or PVC pipe.

[Versatile]

A center mast support that would fit into the mast riser attachment ... to prevent the mast to swing all over the place when trailering ... other than nailed 2x4 and sewage pipes !

[K9Kampers]

...to prevent the mast to swing all over the place when trailering

I don't use a center mast support, but to prevent the mast from swinging side to side, I secure it by running a taut line from one stern cleat to around the mast at the mast crutch, then to the other stern cleat.

[Versatile]

There is no problem to tie up the mast to prevent it to swing from side to side. Just a mooring line fasten across will do the job. But to prevent the mast to swing up and down ... it is another ball game ! Have you ever observe your mast during tralering ... scaring !

So the idea is to build a Center Mast Support that would use:

- the Deck Mast Riser Attachment in the same manner as the Mast Riser
- the same crutch assembly as the Rear Mast Carrier to hold the mast in place



No need to invent any new parts because they are already produce and use for other means in the boat. That way, the mast would be really protected from swinging when trailering ... no ?

[vizwhiz]

Actually, now that you point this out, I'm having a mast support made for my S, for the very same reason - support the mast in the middle. Mostly, it was because I was up there working a few times and thoughtlessly leaned on the mast to reach for something...
So I'm having a mechanic at work cut me a piece of 3x3 aluminum square tubing just over one foot long, with a v-notch at the top. It will be about 13" from the bottom of the v-notch to the bottom of the tubing. The 3" dimension should just fit within the bolt heads on the mast support plate. I am having him cut some notches on each of the four edges (corners) about 1/2-way up so I can run bungee cords across it corner-to-corner and hold it in place while trailering. Two holes at the top, one on each of the V sides would allow a bungee around the mast. Mostly this is for the "down" direction, although the bungees should help hold it well enough in the "up" direction as well... I'll probably put some kind of rubber lining on the top edge to keep it from fretting against the mast.

sketch below