Mast raising without a crane sounds a daunting prospect but it is actually very straightforward if you prepare properly. Some years ago I wrote an article which you can see here, https://www.sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/articles/11-technical-articles/268-safe-mast-lowering-method so this is really just an update. This video shows my Chat 18, which has a mast from a beach cat, and thus one that could be pushed up by hand, but here I show the system that works on any size mast - the biggest I have raised this way was on a 50ft ketch. The key features are a good tabernacle, a "gin pole" - in this case the boom - and most important, the use of temporary shrouds thus ensuring that the mast cannot fall sideways. These shrouds must have "chainplates" that line up exactly with the tabernacle pivot bolt. When down the mast rests on a, eg, dinghy trailer mast support at the back of the cockpit. If you regularly raise you mast you can fit a trailer roller to the bracket, so it's easy to push the mast to and fro for trailering. The "gooseneck" for the ginpole is a shroud adjuster from my junk box, suitably bent and screwed to the front of the mast. Roller reefing gear has to be kept straight and has a tendency to catch on the cabin roof etc. So I always lash it to the ginpole in about the right position. The "chainplates" for the temporary shrouds are, again, from my junk box and are 25mm OD aluminium tubes that clip into place and are easily removed. They also take guywires from the forward end of the ginpole to stop that falling over. I attached the spi halyard to the ginpole, but you can just rely on the forestay/furling gear. The mast is then raised up using the mainsheet shackled to the forestay chainplate (you may need a longer rope, depending on your boat). 4:1 is easy on small boats, on bigger boats lead it back to a winch. Of course the most load is when the mast is horizontal, you often have to push on the mast when lowering to get it to start moving. So if you can get it off the support you know you can hoist it all the way. So it all seems a lot of ropes and preparation but it's all worth it as the mast cannot fall and you always have total control, even in a cross wind. And you can usually raise the mast singlehanded. If you are only occasionally raising/lowering the mast then the temporary stays can be rope. Make a loop in the end and pass it over the spreaders and round the mast using a boathook or, on bigger boats, a bosun's chair. Easy to pull off again afterwards. Before sailing always check the mast with binoculars or camera to ensure there are no twisted shackles or, especially, T bar terminals (which is why I don't recommend T bars on trailable boats.) Use tape or elastic band to hold the stays in the correct position while hoisting - both will break away as the shrouds tighten.

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Sushi loves playing fetch with us on the boat. And it's easy exercise if we can't get her to shore to run around and stretch her legs!

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You will be hard pressed to find a better equipped 2452 anywhere in the PNW! This is one of the boats that you dream of finding because this vessel is in 10/10 condition. With a full binder detailing the extensive maintenance and upgrades made over the last 20 years, “Kingfisher” has just been freshy bottom painted and serviced so she is ready to go for the season. Powered by a Mercruiser 5.7, with the bonus of a long shaft high thrust Yamaha 9.9 with electric start, remote controls and tilt for fishing, every aspect of this vessel is in outstanding condition. Newer canvas, new upholstery, custom radar stainless arch by Philbrooks with dinghy rails, newer electronics, Lewmar windlass and a Zodiac RIB with Yamaha 2.5hp engine are all included. Need fishing gear? The Sellers are retiring from boating so the two Scotty Long Downriggers with braided line and 12lb leads are included! Complete with assumable moorage at our Sidney location, Kingfisher is available to view by appointment on our Westport Marina Sales Dock. Please contact our Vancouver Island Sales Office at 250-656-5832 to schedule a showing.

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Mid Southern Indian Ocean we are faced with a crisis that could quickly sink our boat. The bolts on the windvane bracket which is submerged while underway, snap. Join us as we tackle this situation. Full Episode - https://youtu.be/SmcK5pIZYoc?si=icA5KaQnccDB-UMA Subscribe to our channel - @FrothLyfeSailingNandji

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