What is the process for removing a mast from a 30' sailboat by hand?

Question

Can 2 people do it? The boat is on stands in a boatyard.

Answer 1

I've reviewed the answers so far, and frankly there all wrong to some degree.  I've unstepped many mast like the one you describe.   First, having anyone try to hold the base, is just not safe.  Secondly even though the weight of the mast is less than say 150 pounds, the lever force is more than you can handle.   Secondly, you have to disconnect the shrouds because the mast can't pivot back with them attached.   If you have a "hinged mast step", which is  unusual in this size boat, you might rig a block and tackle to the fore stay but you'd still have problems controlling the drop.   There are several possible solutions to your problem.  If the marina has a travel-lift, you can rig a hoist point on one of the crossbeams., then rig a loop around the mast and pull it up to the spreaders.   now you can support the weight of the mast closer to it's turning moment.   But, if you've never done this before, it's tricky.  A crane rental company can do this job, but last time I hired one it was $500 and thats been several years ago.   Best check around other marinas and ask about un-stepping, and re-stepping the mast for you.  You might have to put off what your doing until later, but be-sure to anticipate what you have to do when it comes down, like refinish the spreaders, replacing all hailards, lub the rigging,  install a new antenna etc.   but don't try to take it down by hand.

Answer 2

Depends on several things,1 Will the yard permit it ?

2 Are you insured for 3rd party?(Helper & Adjacent boats)

3 Is your boat realy secure,there will be a big strain once it

leaves vertical .

4.How much room is there to lower mast,forwards or back,as

it is probably longer than boat,(my 25ft has28ft mast)& is too

heavy hold once it starts.

5.A tall tripod and block & Tackle would be best.OR PRAY.

Answer 3

Not too bad if it is stepped on deck ( better if there is a hinge at the base, rigging and leverage and experience. Sounds like u dont know what your doin mate.Be prepared for a great fall!!!!

Answer 4

Aluminum Spars?

Yes.

One guy has a seat on the deck, and the other places both hands on the mast above his head. The guy sitting down takes the forestay loose, immediately turns around and foots the mast. Cross your feet over the foot of the mast and don't let it come up. Keep you face out of the fall line of the mast in case it does come down. OK, guy number two slowly starts walking back, and hand over hand lowers the mast. A third guy to catch can help, but if it is aluminum it will be relatively light.

Edit: Richard, I am the official storage facility on my lake for C-scows, and I have been unstepping masts in this manner for 30 years, better check with me first. This is the way I was taught, and the way I have taught scores of sailors. As you may notice from the below, I can step and unstep a 30 foot C-boat mast single-handed. It is a trick that no one else on my lake possesses, and I will not share the trick.

Answer 5

On a 30 foot boat could be pushing safety limits & will  be interesting, but  should be do -able.w/ a hinged step & expert advice on site.

See if the yard will allow it first.

Depends on how the mast is rigged.

Upper stays w/ fore & aft lower stays.....

Attach a block to the forestay deck fitting & run the anchor line ( or something stronger)  through the block to a mainsail winch.

Remove any coax & power cables.

Remove the forward lower stays from the deck fittings.

Loosen the  uppers & aft lowers .

Leave the backstay in place.

I used bungee cords to keep the loosened stays from flopping around...if  the cords  break,they break.

Loosen forestay & attach the "anchor" line to it then free the forestay.

Allow the mast to ease back on it's own slowly & let the stretch in the line do the work.

As mentioned a  tall A frame w/ a crutch to catch the mast is a must.

You can also use some shorter 2x4s w/ crutches to walk the mast down after it is safely in the A frame

Can also add a long 2x4  running from the tabernacle to a  notch in the end to catch the lowering line to  take up some strain as the angle of the mast gets more acute.

Pretty much the same if there are single uppers & lowers fixed to a single point.

Be prepared in either case to remove the turnbuckles ( fast) if there is  tension on the stays while lowering.

Honestly , if you have not  tried it before, it is scary & more help would be better .

Have raised & lowered the 25' mast on my old 22 footer alone using this method & assisted  raising  lowering a 30' mast on a 25 footer using this method on shore & in the water.

Would definitely be safer to have the yard do it ( also their responsibility)

A  friend had his  hinged step broken because the

lowering angle of the crane  was off  centerline.

As mentioned pre planning is a must & get help from willing , experienced hands.

Best regards