19' Lighting sailboat mast stepping

[muse]

I bought a Lightning this week and the mast is the hardest I have ever raised. Is there a safer way ?

[PAR]

A gin pole or A frame, with the A frame being more steady in cross winds, but more cumbersome to store.

[muse]

Originally Posted by PAR

A gin pole or A frame, with the A frame being more steady in cross winds, but more cumbersome to store.

Thanks, when I get the mast vertical it must be dropped through the deck into a box on the floor. Threading a needle with a 25 ft. pole.

We had three experienced sailors one was the seller, we got confused and we nearly dropped it.

[PAR]

I used to own a Lightning and I used a gin pole.

[muse]

Originally Posted by PAR

I used to own a Lightning and I used a gin pole.

I'll build one.

[brian eiland]

Just for curousity, did you buy the one on ebay from out in KY...from the boatministies

I had thought of it as an experiental basis for my sailing rig.
Aftmast rigs???

...but it was too long a drive to go get it

[muse]

It was in NC 10 miles from my home, stored in a dry barn. The sails were store in the seller's home and in great condition.
The boat was painted 5 years ago by a professional boat builder.

[brian eiland]

Sounds like a nice vessel.

[muse]

When I saw it for the first time I was shocked to see a boat in such good shape for a 66. I felt that lump in my throat like the first time you meet a woman that you can't forget


The seller is a perfectionist like many people who own boats.

[muse]

Originally Posted by PAR

A gin pole or A frame, with the A frame being more steady in cross winds, but more cumbersome to store.

How can I buy or get plans to build a gin pole??

[brian eiland]

Perhaps it is really tech-nic that you need. I can remember many buyers of our Prindle and Nacra catamarans that had trouble with raising the masts at the begining. With a little time spent around some more experienced guys, there are technics that can be learned. I'm sure that mast is no heavier, nor taller, than one on a Prindle 19...or 18 for that matter...or Hobie cats.

[muse]

I will call a few local owners.

[PAR]

Brian is absolutely correct. I can spend the next 20 minutes attempting to describe the process or you can watch it being done and learn much more in 5 minutes. It doesn't have to be a Lightning, but any keel stepped stick will do, they all have the same difficulties and each will need slight adaptations to suit your specific needs.