Removing a keel stepped mast for transportation

[MrMan]

I need to unstep the mast of a 40' cutter rigged boat for transportation. Any advice on the steps to take, things to be aware of etc. would be much appreciated.
I have tried to find info online but not a huge amount that I could find, if anyone knows of any good resources for this would be much appreciated.
We looked at getting a company to prepare the mast for transportation but they charged €2k so it is out of the question.

 

[earlybird]

A mobile crane will be required to unstep the mast, so that will be expensive for a one-off. Depending n your location, it is probably best to move the boat to a yard or marina where such a facility and expertise exists. Unstepping a mast at the marina I used on the Clyde cost ~£100.

 

[MrMan]

Thanks, sorry I should have said that the boat will be on the hard and that we have a suitable crane and driver available to do the lift. The question was really about the order of things, what to look out for and any tips.

 

[doug748]

Don't be in hurry with anyone who says they "might" be able to manage it. You may have a 12 ft lift before the step is clear of the deck and there is nothing worse than bouncing the mast across the deck because you run out of lift.

Something like a Liebherr Mobile truck-mounted crane with quad extension would come to you and may have the scope to lift the mast from above by a halyard which avoids the problems associated with strops around a spreader. A driver with experience is much to be preferred and they would put the mast on you transport with no fuss. You could get it done for under £500 in a handy area but if they have to travel far the cost shoots up. It would take at least four roughnecks to carry once on the ground.

The mast should stand with all rigging disconnected but of course you would stay it, make sure the foot is free plus all electrics, any chocks will normally pop out as the spar is lifted. Let us know how you get on.

 

[Seajet]

There's probably an on deck mast boot gaiter which will require loosening too, and check there aren't any electrics like VHF, radar, lights or lightning earth to disconnect.

I have the feeling H & S won't allow one to be aboard now, but when I had a boat with a keel stepped mast the yard crane guy restepping it lowered the mast like a piledriver, taking out a bit of nice woodwork - so try to get the operator when he's not in a hurry if possible or tip him handsomely before - pro' crane drivers always seem to be in too much of a hurry !

Do ensure the mast has plenty of supports along its length to prevent bending while stored or transported, and either unbolt or protect the spreaders as they protrude and can easily be damaged.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I doubt if any reputable crane driver would lift on a halyard as it is untested and uncertified. Craneage is highly regulated and rightly so. Lifting with a strop above the balance point would be the best method and allow a much smaller crane to be used thus keeping the cost down. I'd disconnect any electrics and get the driver to take the weight before undoing any shrouds and stays but the driver will be in control and tell you what to do.

Don't be in hurry with anyone who says they "might" be able to manage it. You may have a 12 ft lift before the step is clear of the deck and there is nothing worse than bouncing the mast across the deck because you run out of lift.

Something like a Liebherr Mobile truck-mounted crane with quad extension would come to you and may have the scope to lift the mast from above by a halyard which avoids the problems associated with strops around a spreader. A driver with experience is much to be preferred and they would put the mast on you transport with no fuss. You could get it done for under £500 in a handy area but if they have to travel far the cost shoots up. It would take at least four roughnecks to carry once on the ground.

The mast should stand with all rigging disconnected but of course you would stay it, make sure the foot is free plus all electrics, any chocks will normally pop out as the spar is lifted. Let us know how you get on.

 

[ean_p]

You want to lift the mast from as high a point on the mast as possible as the high means the straighter! The last thing you want is the heel kicking sideways as the mast pivots about the strop attachment point! The ideal if the crane is high enough is from the pad eyes on the truck!
Give some thought to where you will make the break in any cables if not connected with plugs. And if connected with plugs will they pass through any holes etc!
protect the inside of the boat where the lower section will slide upwards as it may move around (see 1 above) and damage internal fixtures and fittings.
Have someone inside to help guide it if possible and here hatches open or walky talkies will be a good help.
Note how if at all the mast is wedged where it passes through the deck, take photo's. Clear the boot upwards or off well before the lift takes place!.
Take a note of the rigging screw positions so that you can get them something like on the refit. Dont expect the mast to be self supporting for too long as the leverage on the heel may well be very high! Have the stays etc well slacked and ready to go so its any easy break just by slipping the pins in the chain plates or something similar!
Beyond that its a doddle really if the crane and driver are good!

 

[vyv_cox]

One of the better mast lifts we had was by the spinnaker halyard at a yard in Middelharnis. They always use that method. Probably best of all was at Royan, where they used a machine designed for forestry use. Clamps around the mast, lift and lay down in one move.

 

[lw395]

Thanks, sorry I should have said that the boat will be on the hard and that we have a suitable crane and driver available to do the lift. The question was really about the order of things, what to look out for and any tips.

Most yards will want to unstep masts while the boat is in the water.
On the hard might be beyond their crane, for a 40ft boat.
But if they have a big enough crane, it's no problem they will have done hundreds before.
If the crane driver is not familiar with masts, maybe get the yard foreman to work with him?

Other wise disconnect everything bar forestay, backstay and one set of shrouds.
Strop so it slides to spreaders above balance point, or held down to strongpoint like gooseneck to stop it sliding higher.
Pad the hook with e.g. carpet perhaps?
Lift from slightly ahead to keep the crane hook away from the mast.
Have sufficient grunts to control lower end of mast.
Deal with aerials, anemometer immediately it's on the trestles.

 

[knuterikt]

Lite og good information here
https://www.seldenmast.com/files/1456145028/595-540-E.pdf

 

[dutyhog]

Another thing to note before unstepping is the exact position of the mast foot. Ours is in a slot that's longer that the fitting on the mast foot, giving a range of positions over several inches, so when it goes back in I need be inside to guide it down to the right position.

 

[Resolution]

One of the better mast lifts we had was by the spinnaker halyard at a yard in Middelharnis. They always use that method. Probably best of all was at Royan, where they used a machine designed for forestry use. Clamps around the mast, lift and lay down in one move.

Is that the machine that neatly shears all the branches off and slices the trunk into convenient lengths?:encouragement:

 

[Daydream believer]

Slacken off all rigging, remove some wires if possible, straighten pins for easy removal
disconnect al halyards an coil neatly to mast
disconnect wires and pass up through deck & cable tie neatly
remove deck gland
then tell yard you are ready and walk away, it will be the yards job, their risk and they will not want you fussing.
if they are a proper yard it will be out before you know it.
they will stick a strop under the spreader. The mast below deck etc will probably balance it ok and 2 blokes will be all that is needed, one to guide and one to drive the crane.they will take the weight, release the shrouds & up she goes
cannot see what all the fuss is about

 

[lw395]

Another thing to note before unstepping is the exact position of the mast foot. Ours is in a slot that's longer that the fitting on the mast foot, giving a range of positions over several inches, so when it goes back in I need be inside to guide it down to the right position.

Yes, anything that is adjustable, measure it.
Make sure pins will go back in the same holes etc.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Best advice so far!

Slacken off all rigging, remove some wires if possible, straighten pins for easy removal
disconnect al halyards an coil neatly to mast
disconnect wires and pass up through deck & cable tie neatly
remove deck gland
then tell yard you are ready and walk away, it will be the yards job, their risk and they will not want you fussing.
if they are a proper yard it will be out before you know it.
they will stick a strop under the spreader. The mast below deck etc will probably balance it ok and 2 blokes will be all that is needed, one to guide and one to drive the crane.they will take the weight, release the shrouds & up she goes
cannot see what all the fuss is about

 

[vyv_cox]

Is that the machine that neatly shears all the branches off and slices the trunk into convenient lengths?:encouragement:

They didn't do that with our mast!

 

[ribdriver]

Having done this many times and still involved in the industry...…

Everything mentioned previously is good stuff. It is pretty simple. But one thing I will specifically mention (has been briefly been touched on)….

Check and double check that the mast will come out...prep everything/ check it is loose in advance, as if not and things get stuck on the day.....the time pressures stress everyone out. ie crane clocking up the minutes and potentially the costs.
And especially check the boot round the bottom or whatever is sealing it at deck level. I have seen a 37ft yacht starting to lift up with the mast when the crane started to lift as some clever person previously decided to use copious amounts of Sikaflex under the rubber boot/ gaiter. The boot had been removed and everyone assumed the mast would just pull out. It didn't.

 

[Seajet]

There you go Sir, job done; who's next ?

https://clfab.com/products/ez-puller-xl-pro/

 

[Old Harry]

Slacken off all rigging, remove some wires if possible, straighten pins for easy removal
disconnect al halyards an coil neatly to mast
disconnect wires and pass up through deck & cable tie neatly
remove deck gland
then tell yard you are ready and walk away, it will be the yards job, their risk and they will not want you fussing.
if they are a proper yard it will be out before you know it.
they will stick a strop under the spreader. The mast below deck etc will probably balance it ok and 2 blokes will be all that is needed, one to guide and one to drive the crane.they will take the weight, release the shrouds & up she goes
cannot see what all the fuss is about

Very good advice here

save a few £s on DIY then possibly a furniture rebuild after, oh then it has to be re-stepped, same danger once again

 

[Quandary]

We lift the masts here using the local hire company's truck with an amazing Hiab on it, unfolded it is tall enough to cope with 16m. keel stepped on an X334. The driver/operator strolls around with a control box on a strap round his neck. The first year we tried him we were all involved giving him advice and instructions until we realized he knew rigging better than most of us, now we leave him to it, restricting our involvement to undoing cables and bottlescrews and laying out trestles. He can do 5-6 boats in an hour as long as the pre prep. has been carried out.

Daydream Believer's advice is the one to heed.