Question Tips for stepping/dropping mast

[whbrown555]

Self-professed newbie here... I purchased my J/24 after it had been in the water for quite a while. I recently pulled it out, and want to unstep the mast. My current thinking is:

• use some tree climbers to run a line, with a block in the middle of the line, between two trees
• run a line through the block
• secure one end of the line to a secure point on the mast
• hoist the mast up and pivot forward, lowering until resting on the fore and aft pulpits.
  • I have a support to place in the mast port to relieve stress on the middle of the mast
  • I have some material to cushion the mast resting on the pulpits

What are some alternative methods besides the "line between two trees" approach (no crane available)?

 

[pvansch1]

Do a little research on making a gin pole or maybe someone nearby has one.
Whatever method tie a loop around the mast, then the free end of the line to the spinnaker pole bracket allowing the loop to go just below the spreaders so you don't lift it by the spreaders.
Two people works best.

 

[Schnappi]

Gin Pole for Mast Stepping? Anyone have instructions / images to share?

I plan to trailer launch my boat and I will need to get the mast up and down with only human power. I would like to see other ideas / designs for Gin Poles to do this. I have found very little online. I assume this is a common practice, and it's always better to learn from someone else's...

sailingforums.com

 

[pvansch1]

There are threads on this forum hit the search type in Gin pole select this forum.
Also YouTube.