Going up the mast of a bilge-keeled Westerly Falcon, whilst she's ashore?

[NealB]

Hmmmm ........ A sailing friend has declined to winch me up 'Celtic Spirit's mast whilst she's sat ashore.

He's concerned that my weight (10.5 stone = 67 kg), at the masthead, could cause her to topple over.

It seems a rather unlikely scenario, to me.

Anyone care to offer their views?

Westerly Falcon archive details - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales

 

[davidej]

If it is properly sited on a firm base, it seems a very unlikely scenario.

A fin keel on a rusty cradle seems to me to be much more dangerous.

 

[Wansworth]

Hoisted amate up the mast of his fin keel yacht supported by props,about same weight boat Albin Vega …beam about8 foot

 

[NealB]

If it is properly sited on a firm base, it seems a very unlikely scenario.

A fin keel on a rusty cradle seems to me to be much more dangerous.

Yes, she's been ashore, in a yard for over three years now.

It doesn't worry me at all.

 

[Moonbeam]

I've been winched up the mast on our 29' bilge keel Westerly Konsort while ashore... felt stable to me, but I was glad to be back down on deck after.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Highly unlikely, just make sure you do it on a calm day.

 

[doug748]

It would be tricky to pull it over with heavy gear attached to the masthead and a crane. I might get a new wingman.

 

[NealB]

It would be tricky to pull it over with heavy gear attached to the masthead and a crane. I might get a new wingman.

Yes .... it was hard keeping a straight face.

 

[jwilson]

If sitting level on firm ground not the slightest chance of a stability problem. If ashore for three years the major danger is the condition of the halyards and gear such as blocks and organisers on the way to the winch.

 

[Refueler]

Think on it like this ...

If you do while afloat - does the boat basically lay over on its side ? No it doesn't.

What force do you think a set of sails exert on a boat when it lays over to the wind ?

As another says - be wary of the halyards that have been static for all that time. Its prudent to have TWO ropes anyway ... regardless of whether new or not. If any concern - then 'pull' through a new halyard rope and use best of old as back-up...

 

[Chris_Robb]

Think on it like this ...

If you do while afloat - does the boat basically lay over on its side ? No it doesn't.

What force do you think a set of sails exert on a boat when it lays over to the wind ?

As another says - be wary of the halyards that have been static for all that time. Its prudent to have TWO ropes anyway ... regardless of whether new or not. If any concern - then 'pull' through a new halyard rope and use best of old as back-up...

Agreed - 2 lines. But most yards ban the climbing of masts on dry land - 'ealth and Safety.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I've never been anywhere that bans mast climbing. I avoid it myself if possible though.

 

[ithet]

The yard I lay up at does not allow mast climbing ashore, even by riggers.

 

[Graham376]

Been up masts many times in yards and on the beach on 3 bilge keelers and one fin keeler in a yard frame.

 

[doug748]

The yard I lay up at does not allow mast climbing ashore, even by riggers.

Touching concern for the sanctity of human life, - no doubt they provide free mast lifts. ?


.

 

[Graham376]

Only problem I've ever had was in Moody yard at .Swanwick. They wouldn't let me use a ladder off the deck to mount radar part way up the mast but were happy to lend me one when in the water, rolling around with wash from passing boats. No idea who did their risk assessments

 

[Stemar]

Touching concern for the sanctity of human life, - no doubt they provide free mast lifts. ?

Or more likely a touching concern over the remote risk of getting sued and the costs thereof.

 

[penberth3]

Touching concern for the sanctity of human life, - no doubt they provide free mast lifts. ?

A business operating within the law, that's all. No reason to be sarcastic.

 

[doug748]

A business operating within the law, that's all. No reason to be sarcastic.

Quite correct to tell me off, I shouldn't lapse into cynicism. Though it's odd how these laws seem to operate around the Solent and very few other places.

I suspect they are a bit like Macbeth's dagger.

.

 

[Boathook]

The yard I lay up at does not allow mast climbing ashore, even by riggers.

To me that implies that they don't chock boats off correctly when ashore. There does get to a boat size when it is easier to lower the mast though.