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Shorts Lumikha

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.

TRAILER Diesel Maintenance Pt. 1 Carl Schlemmer from Mastry Engine Center demonstrates how to perform the critical maintenance your diesel needs to keep running smoothly for years to come. Simple, straightforward advice for novice and expert mechanics. Carl details the cooling, air intake and fuel systems of diesel engines and explains daily checks recommended for smooth operations. He also reviews lists of spare parts to have on hand for your engine’s needs. 503E One of 9 segments from the Sailing Quarterly 77-minute how-to video, Boat Maintenance DYI with host, Gary Jobson. Available soon on YouTube for rental and purchase in the U.S. and selected countries. Available now, worldwide, at https://vimeocom/ondemand/boatmaintenancedyi/ Watch trailers for all segments at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDECIBcuk_M_vF7w67E_NHSXi0QPWd3jw Other segments include: DIESEL ENGINE MAINTENANCE & TROUBLE-SHOOTING including periodic checks and how to troubleshoot common problems. Taught by engine experts from Mastery Engine Center, Florida, using floor model engines and graphics for hard to see details. HOW TO CLEAN A WINCH What products to gather before you start, how to disassemble, clean and reassemble to keep your boat's winches working smoothly. RIGGING CHECKS FROM MASTHEAD TO DECK Find trouble spots before fittings and shrouds break. FIBERGLASS REPAIRS Step-by-step instructions from filling the holes to polishing the gelcoat. HOW TO FIX A MARINE HEAD Step-by-step instructions on assembly, on repairs and maintenance so fixing the head is no longer such a dreaded task. VARNISHING Step-by-step instructions on varnishing to keep your boat's brightwork shining. All practical and well explained procedures that you and your crew can use to keep your boat in tip top shape. Download to your computer, tablet, and phone for onboard use. See how to do it yourself. Learn about your boat and save money. (M1Z) Browse our VOD collection at vimeo.com/sailflix/vod_pages/ Join our eNewsletter at thesailingchannel.tv/join for news and discount offers. MORE HOW-TO SAILING VIDEOS FROM SAILING QUARTERLY: Sail Trim & Performance Sailing with Gary Jobson vimeo.com/ondemand/sailtrimgaryjobson Racing Tactics with Gary Jobson vimeo.com/ondemand/racingtacticsgaryjobson Don Street Streetwise Tips, Vol. 1 vimeo.com/ondemand/streetwisetips1 Don Street Streetwise Tips, Vol. 2 vimeo.com/ondemand/streetwisetips2 Cruising Instruction, Vol. 1 vimeo.com/ondemand/cruisinginstruction1 Cruising Instruction, Vol. 2 vimeo.com/ondemand/cruisinginstruction2 For DVDs see How-To / Sailing Quarterly at thesailingchannel.tv/store2/ ABOUT SAILING QUARTERLY Produced in the late 1980's, Sailing Quarterly Video Magazine's 24 one-hour programs set the standard for sailing television. We've taken individual stories, and grouped them under instructional categories and cruising destinations. The complete series includes nine instructional volumes, eight destination volumes, and the 24 original SQ one-hour programs. This is timeless content that will benefit every sailor, racer or cruiser. More volumes coming soon.

Horizon Yachts USA had a great turn-out at the West Palm Beach Boat Show with SIX yachts on display. This video was taken the day after the boat show closed. In order of appearance are the Horizon Yachts Power Catamarans PC52 PC60 PC74. Next came the RP110, FD 85 and FD87. Contact Horizonyachtusa.com for more information.