[Public-List] Hinged Mast Step

[Gerard Kuperus]

Hello all,


Inspired by Yves Gelinas (as well as by my fear of heights) I am thinking about installing a hinged mast base. It would allow me to inspect once in a while and to do maintenance or solve problems up there. I would use an A-Frame (two 10' galvanized pipes bolted together) attached to the forestay or jib halyard, take the front lowers off, and ease some tension on the uppers (I guess) and slowly lower with a block and tackle (possibly the mainsheet). I am sure some of you have a system set up, so here are my questions:

- the existing baseplate (the aluminum piece on which the mast sits) is rather large. I found Ballenger makes hinged mast steps, with a topplate that is 8" x 5.5" (see http://ballengerspars.com/) .This looks like a sturdy unity with the top and base plates on top of one another, but how do I attach the alluminum base to this (mine is the standard one with 4 big bolts). Having the nuts under the topplate would make it non-functional.

- If I could somehow figure out how to attach these (or get another mast base that can be screwed on) it seems that the hinge should be as close to the mast as possible. If the pivot point is far aft the shrouds would need to be loosened quite a bit (since the mast would first go up). Or do I not get that right?

- So, it seems I need a smaller mast base. Ballenger does have a smaller hinged mast step. Not sure where I can find a mast base for a 6 x 3.6 extrusion, but I am sure it is out there.

- Another option is the hinge made by Dwyer (see for example here: http://www.downwindmarine.com/Dwyer-Hinged-Mast-Plates-Stainless-Steel-p-90890668.html). Now the biggest one is 6.5. The Alberg 30 mast would just fit on that.

- A custom option is possible, but I think Ballenger makes a pretty solid product.


Any thoughts on my thoughts? Would I be right in getting a smaller mast base and then go for a hinged mast step that is about 6.5 x 4?


Thanks,


Gerard

Skye Mist

San Francisco Bay Area