MacGregor 25 Mast Raising System

The mast can be easily raised single handedly using this or other variation on the same theme. Total cost of construction was less than $30,

Parts needed:
1 1.5x1.5 x 7’ aluminum square tubing, $7
1 1500’ winch $15
1 block or as in my case a medium size $2.50
caster with wheel ground into a sheave.
1 15’ 1/8” nylon rope. $3.00
1 2”x2”x2” channel $2.00
1 4’ 3/8” rope
1 12’ 3/8” rope

The cinch rope that is tied around the mast was modified to one larger loop instead of 3 loops. The one loop is large enough to take hook from winch and both baby stays.

I have a really long dock line because I use it to control the boat when loading and unloading the boat. I use this long dock line and double it up from the ancho cleat to the top of the pole only because I’m chicken.

The bottom of the pole is pinned with a screw driver to the 2”x2” channel that is
bolted to the deck.

The pole is angled as shown so that the mast clears the winch once the mast is up this allows you to pull a little tighter on the mast and makes attaching the forestay easy.

The ratchet on the winch allows you to lock the mast in any position. This is handy because it allows you to leave the winch and unhook snagged shrouds.

I raise the mast with the boat facing into the wind to avoid having the wind blow the mast sideways, the baby stays will prevent a disaster but it is still a struggle when the wind is crosswise. I have raised the mast in 25 mph winds with no problems.

The baby stays made of 1/8” x 6’ nylon rope are attached to the loop in the mast cinch rope permanently. The other end is run through in my case some convenient cheek blocks that were installed by the PO as part to the hardware that runs the halyards to the cock pit. If you are not that fortunate eyes can be installed. They should be as close to the edge of the deck as possible and about 4” forward of the mast base. This will allow them to maintain the same tension as the mast is raise from horizontal to vertical. I use a loop on have way up the baby stay to tie the end to the baby stay after it is run through the deck eye with a half hitch and a loop so the rope can be easily loosened if needed by pull the remaining end.

Picture shows winch handle on left side. Flipped winch so handle is on right side.


Here is a link to the video/website from where I borrowed the concept from some generous sole identified only by Robert.

http://www.sailingtexas.com/Movies/Macgregor26Me/macgregor26me.html

Hope this helps.
Frank