[Public-List] Hinged Mast Step

[Winslow Ayer]

Yes Ohbewan, that would be Yoda...

Winslow

> On Dec 28, 2017, at 2:32 PM, Michael via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
> Keeper of the A Frame sounds like a character description in a George Lucas prequel.
> 
> ------ Original Message ------
> From: "Mike Lehman via Public-List" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
> To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
> Cc: "Mike Lehman" <mlehman at gmail.com>
> Sent: 12/28/2017 11:42:18 AM
> Subject: Re: [Public-List] Hinged Mast Step
> 
>> 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
>> ~~~_/)_/)~~_/)~~~
>> _______________________________________________
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> 
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