David Tyler wrote:I was looking for something else in PJR, and I noticed that diagrams 14.4 and 14.7 detail exactly what we've been talking about.

Kurt Jon Ulmer wrote:

Trailer Thinkers,

I wonder whether there might be merit in basing the suggested A-frame on the trailer, or on a plate the trailer wheels are rolled onto, or on a wheel-hub or something... instead of bothering Seablossom with it.

If, that is, the trailer is generally there, and the yacht's mast can be stepped or unstepped on the ramp. When I've seen trailer sailers being rigged or de-rigged, they've been on their trailers.

If she were my boat, I'd like the idea of not needing a tabernacle, unless it would be required in the waters Seablossom cruises, of course.

Cheers,

Kurt

I am pleased beyond words that David showed me a way to avoid a tabernacle, which I think would have been extremely awkward at best. There is no reason I should need to lower the mast away from the trailer.

The apparatus will reside on the trailer except when in use, but I think it will need to be assembled on deck, while the boat is in the trailer, for stepping and unstepping. Otherwise the legs would have to be impractically long.

You can see on the photo that she has chain plates which have never been used. They will provide an easy foundation for a removable A-frame.

Jeff McFadden wrote:Duh. Well. How about the 12,000 pound double line pull electric winch mounted on the trailer's front tower?

Jeff McFadden wrote:

David Tyler wrote:

Jeff McFadden wrote:

David Tyler wrote:Jeff, just a passing thought as I look at your impressive rig parked up in the desert:

The trailer is an A-frame. When you get to make a tabernacle for the mast, I'd make a mast-hoisting A-frame that takes the trailer as its template for size and shape, so that it can be lashed neatly onto the trailer for transit and after use.

In fact, could you make an A-frame to the same size as the trailer frame, and would it then be so big that it could be used as a gantry to lift the mast in and out as it is, with needing to make a tabernacle? You  only need to get a couple of feet above the CG of the mast as it is about to enter the partners.

When Tystie had a 23ft yard, I used it as a derrick to step the 37ft mizzen mast.

You see that as an A-frame that I can lift up onto the deck in pieces and then assemble up there?  Maybe pivot on the chain plates?

I was thinking of a one-piece A-frame, but that would need more manpower to haul up on deck without causing damage.

Perhaps two long lengths of 3" x 2" wood, with a top fitting bolted to both to carry the lifting tackle and fore and aft stays, with a crosspiece bolted to both for rigidity, and with lugs at the bottom to bolt to the chainplates. It only has to be done a few times a year, so bolting together is not too onerous.

I'm hitting reply and letting this thread stretch out because it's useful to me this way.

I see where you're going now. I could bolt the top together and include an agricultural shackle which would carry most any lifting tackle.

I think (just guessing) that the mast is in the 300 pound range. My winches are not currently on the cabin top, but are over on the side decks adjacent to the cockpit.I am afraid that by the time one led a rope there from a central location one might have created more bind and friction than one gains in mech advantage.

Do you have an idea what sort of purchase might enable a potbellied aging hippy to do it by sheer muscle power?

Jeff McFadden wrote:

David Tyler wrote:Jeff, just a passing thought as I look at your impressive rig parked up in the desert:

The trailer is an A-frame. When you get to make a tabernacle for the mast, I'd make a mast-hoisting A-frame that takes the trailer as its template for size and shape, so that it can be lashed neatly onto the trailer for transit and after use.

In fact, could you make an A-frame to the same size as the trailer frame, and would it then be so big that it could be used as a gantry to lift the mast in and out as it is, with needing to make a tabernacle? You  only need to get a couple of feet above the CG of the mast as it is about to enter the partners.

When Tystie had a 23ft yard, I used it as a derrick to step the 37ft mizzen mast.

You see that as an A-frame that I can lift up onto the deck in pieces and then assemble up there?  Maybe pivot on the chain plates?