Stepping the Mast

[weheritage]

In the proess of restoring a 1942 wooden ketch LEEWAY. She arrived by truck in March. Having worked the masts to the point that I am ready to sick them back in I find that I am not sure of all that needs to be done before the crane arrives. The masts are 35 & 40 feet laminated wood. (round mast and octigan below decks). Have looked on the net but find very little about stepping masts of this size. I see wedges that were left behind when they were taken down but I don't know how they go in and/or how many and what sizes are needed. Would like any help especially pictures or books that I might find on this subject.

W.E. Heritage

[gonzo]

The wedges go in after the masts are stepped and the rig tuned. They fill the gap around the partners. The standard practice is to put a sling around the mast under the spreaders lift it and then lower it into its place.

[weheritage]

Wasn't sure when the wedges went in. Thanks....also I have a 1942 Half dollar ( there wasn't a silver dollar minted that year) to replace the one that was there. The guy at the yard that took it down must have copped it. You can see the indentation of a coin in bothe the mas bottom and the keel plate.

Thanks for your post

W.E.H.

[gonzo]

Keel haul the bastard

[lazeyjack]

simple really. the deal is to get rid of the crane as quickly as possible, so hold the thing up with the halyards fore and aft, and the shrouds,
set the rig and then build a damn and pour in your mast chocks with a setting compound which is 2 pot,
You grease the mast and socket so the thing comes out, or if you have a deck step tjen no problem