F25 Mast Stepping

Anything that doesn't fit into the other Physical Systems categories
Post Reply
shaka2
Posts: 53
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:27 pm

F25 Mast Stepping

Post by shaka2 »

I am interested the Freedom 25. What is the weight of its mast? Can the mast be stepped (and unstepped) without a crane? If so, any advice on how its done.
Thanks

User avatar
Michel
Posts: 546
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 5:48 am
Location: Zaanstad, the Netherlands, EU

Re: F25 Mast Stepping

Post by Michel »

If you build an A-frame from two long spinnaker poles or similar, it must be possible. Search this board for a guy named Wilf(red) in the UK. He has an F21 and published a sketch of his A-frame.
Michel Capel, Freedom 44 #4 1981 'Alabama Queen', NED8188, cat ketch with wishbones, home port Enkhuizen, the Netherlands, 52*42.238'N 005*18.154'E.

shaka2
Posts: 53
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:27 pm

Re: F25 Mast Stepping

Post by shaka2 »

Thanks!
(The marina charges $220.00 to step )

User avatar
hxschiller
Posts: 88
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 7:55 pm
Location: Mull 28 - "Impulse" on NW Creek in New Bern, NC

Re: F25 Mast Stepping

Post by hxschiller »

The A-frame must be at least 20 feet tall in order to pick up the mast near its center of gravity.I made mine out of 20 foot 2"x4" stiffened laterally with a glued-on 2"x2". I had a through-bolt at the top supporting a short tang from which I shackled a double block (4-part tackle). The A-frame was guyed for-and-aft using lines to the bow and stern pulpits. I also found it useful to build a little frame, clamped to the bow pulpit that had a trailer keel roller bolted to it. I used this to move mast for and aft when the mast was horizontal. I single-handed the raising and lowering. This required a horn cleat on the side of the A-frame so that one could stop by cleating the hoisting line at any position to take care of whatever.

shaka2
Posts: 53
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:27 pm

Re: F25 Mast Stepping

Post by shaka2 »

Thanks for that input.
I have a image in my head on how I'll try and pull this off. sounds a lot eaiser than it likely is.
Wonder how much the mast actually weighs?
Thanks,
Joe

shaka2
Posts: 53
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:27 pm

Re: F25 Mast Stepping

Post by shaka2 »

Thanks again guys. I bought the Freedom 25 today after inspecting in 20 knots of wind and snow on the shore of Lake Champlain.
JP

User avatar
GeoffSchultz
Posts: 1135
Joined: Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:39 am
Location: BlueJacket: Guatemala
Contact:

Re: F25 Mast Stepping

Post by GeoffSchultz »

Congrats! Welcome to the family!

-- Geoff
BlueJacket
1997 Freedom 40/40
http://www.GeoffSchultz.org

Post Reply