Mast down!

[Spanjaard]

Mast is going down as new rigging is coming in. That means I will replace the old lights for new oness, new wind indicator and check the vhf radio antena.

I am thinking of puting a pair of steps just in case I have to climb all the way to the top once up and I might even consider installing some high reflective marine tape.

While the mast is down what would you definetely recommend to check or install?

 

[Clancy Moped]

If your putting mast steps on make sure you have access to a rivet gun man enough for the job, preferably a compressed air one.

 

[Spanjaard]

If your putting mast steps on make sure you have access to a rivet man enough for the job, preferably a compressed air one.

Thank you. That is wise advice.

 

[Boathook]

If the vhf aerial age is old or unknown put a new one up. Much easier when mast is down!

 

[dunedin]

Check all halyard sheaves. Possibly replace key ones like main halyard. One of ours cracked and broke at the start of this season, only 10 years old. Fortunately was able to get lift up in crane and replaced in 5 mins- otherwise might have been a mast down job, as only one other halyard goes to masthead and rigger understandably not happy to go on single rope (after other sheave had failed)

 

[doug748]

Don't fit a masthead light such that cannot be changed easily if it fails.

It may be better to stick with a bulb (LED or conventional) than an purpose built array many of which are unreliable.

.

 

[pandos]

Change the vhf antenna and the coax unless it is very recent...(I made the mistake of just changing the coax and now no vhf? not sure why but t will be a new Metz antenna and posh Italian coax this winter...

 

[Spanjaard]

Has anyone used a combo of VHS, wifi and AIS antenas? I assume for Wi-Fi, the higher the better, but normally I see it installed on top of the hand rails,,,

Can anyone recomend any models?

 

[pcatterall]

Mast is going down as new rigging is coming in. That means I will replace the old lights for new oness, new wind indicator and check the vhf radio antena.

I am thinking of puting a pair of steps just in case I have to climb all the way to the top once up and I might even consider installing some high reflective marine tape.

While the mast is down what would you definetely recommend to check or install?

Steps at the top are great for working on the top getting them at the right hieght is important. some jobs you need to very high and others need a lower position.
Some times I wish I had two sets at the top. Make sure all the running rigging is secure or you may be visiting the mast head earlier than anticipated?

 

[Daydream believer]

Check all halyard sheaves. Possibly replace key ones like main halyard. One of ours cracked and broke at the start of this season, only 10 years old.

Wise advice. I have had one fail when I changed to laminate mainsail & dynema halyard.

 

[davidaprice]

Hereabouts we take down our masts every winter. The local rigger strongly recommended checking the little backing plates inside the mast reinforcing the holes for the shrouds' T-terminals. They can develop fractures and masts have come down when they fail. You might get by with a dentist's mirror and a torch, or you could perhaps use one of those USB endoscope cameras.

 

[Spanjaard]

Well, thank you all for the advice given. I am taking good note of everything... Lets see how much is going to cost.