Cockpit and hatchway headroom with mast down

Published date: November 3, 2012
  • Boat Type: Boat Type
Cockpit and hatchway headroom with mast down
Cockpit and hatchway headroom with mast down Cockpit and hatchway headroom with mast down Cockpit and hatchway headroom with mast down

It is not easy to go down below, or even move in the cockpit in MOST boats, with the mast down.
For no extra cost, a standard gin pole can find a second purpose in helping to create some cockpit space.

In the photos included, the standard bolt holds the base of the the gin pole to the cockpit rail.
One loop of rope holds the upper end of the gin pole in place, and two guy lines support it. The port guy line is part of the standard gin pole set up. The starboard guy line employs the otherwise unused mainsheet (remember: mast is down : ) -- tightened snugly.
The aft (lower) end of the mast is secured to the bow pulpit, bolted in, just as for travel.

Finally, the winchline, looped around the mast, supports the mast from the gin pole -- well overhead, and creating space to open the hatchway. I did not use this loop to actually lift the mast up -- that could cause a lot of chaffing, etc. I have not used this set up under way with power, yet, either. It may require some padding for the furling system, and in other places. It may require extra support for the dynamic loads, as well. But for messing around, doing work in the driveway, etc, it is handy. Hope this helps others.

- Bruce

Published by: BruceK


Model Year: 1993
Photo Caption: Tall Mast Crutch, full cockpit view

Tall Mast Crutch, aft view (open hatch in back ground)

Details, lower end

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