[Public-List] Hinged Mast Step

[Mike Lehman]

The Alberg 30 Association has an A-frame for removing the mast. I am the
keeper of the a-frame and have removed and installed about 50 masts with
it. The ideal number of people to operate it is 3. It takes about an hour+
to set it up and only minutes to lower or raise a mast. Detailed
instructions are on the website at
http://www.alberg30.org/maintenance/SparsSailsRigging/UnsteppingMast/9-TakeDownMast.html
.



On Thu, Dec 28, 2017 at 10:05 AM, Wes Gardner via Public-List <
public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:

> Hi Gerard,
>
> Would you consider just building the A frame as you’ve suggested and
> leaving everything else the same? I know some of the folks here on the East
> coast have such an arrangement...I think it DOES Require more than one
> person.
>
> Wes
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Dec 27, 2017, at 11:37 PM, Gerard Kuperus via Public-List <
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> >
> > 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
> >
> >
> >
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-- 
Mike Lehman
~~~_/)_/)~~_/)~~~