Mast Crane

This project I completed in the fall in time to use it to lower my mast.  Normally this is a three man undertaking but Bob and I decided to give it a go with just the two of us.  The results were incredible.  Bob stood at the base of the mast ready to assist if needed.  I stood between the arms of the "A" frame and, with a little push from Bob, was able to lower the mast down quite easily.

The unit I build was slightly modified from the unit shown at www.chipford.com.  At "Chip Ahoy" Homeport, they mention attaching the crane arms to the forward shroud attachment points.  The ones on the Christopher-Jin have clevis pin holes that point fore and aft which would not allow the crane to pivot as shown.  So I made aluminum "L" brackets from extruded angle aluminum and attached them permanently under the stanchion bolts.  This also allowed me to make the arms slightly longer.  (Longer Arms = Greater Mechanical Advantage)

I tested lifting the mast once it was on the Mast Stepper.  It was a bit of a pull but it did go up un-assisted.  This coming spring (2010) we'll give it a go all the way up.

The other modification we made was to put a pair of triple blocks at the working end.  One of the blocks has a becket to add one more layer of mechanical advantage.  I wanted to be able to raise and lower the mast while in the water...in the event I decide to try the Erie Cannel which is said to have low bridges.