Great sailing weather
Mike Purdy
Jedaro
Mast Crutch - if it had to be done again.
Stepped Mast and Dowsar Enclosure
Hi: After 2 years we are still extremely pleased with our extended mast crutch. We still have the original but the extension is high enough to allow us to use the full enclosure when motoring in inclement weather along the Rideau and Trent canal systems. For a photo and a complete description see MAC MODS PAGE then COCKPIT then Stepped Mast and Dowsar Enclosure
Great sailing weather
Mike Purdy
Jedaro
Great sailing weather
Mike Purdy
Jedaro
I just added an arch.
Just added an arch to a 97 26X. I used 1 inch SS tubing. Used 4 ft lengths to attach to the rear stanchions, and a 78 inch bar across. Got them pre-cut at www.sailorman.com in Ft Lauderdale. If anyone lives near Ft. Lauderdale, I highly recommend Sailorman...they are very helpful and have excellent prices.
I used 2 inch SS u bolts from WM on each stanchion. They lock it down very tightly with no twisting. It's pretty strong. I don't trailer much, but I intend to use the arch to provide additional support for the mast holder. I may add one or two downward braces to on the arch, depending on what I decide as additional uses for it.
The main reason for the arch was to relocate the backstay to allow me to put a new huge bimini on. The bimini is 46 inches high, 78 inches wide, and 72 inches long. Bought the bimini at Bass Pro Shops online for about $230. A large bimini is a must for Florida summers. With this bimini on the 26X, there is over 6 ft of headroom under it, nice and comfortable.
I'm experimenting with folding half back to allow the main to be used. But now I mostly use just the big genoa with the complete bimini up.
Just put it in this week. An added bonus is that the rear arch provides back support to make it comfortable to sit up high by the rear stanchion using only a floatation cushion. Just tried that out today.
I'll put up more detail on the Mods page when I have time.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/ ... MG0518.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/ ... MG0523.jpg[/url]
I used 2 inch SS u bolts from WM on each stanchion. They lock it down very tightly with no twisting. It's pretty strong. I don't trailer much, but I intend to use the arch to provide additional support for the mast holder. I may add one or two downward braces to on the arch, depending on what I decide as additional uses for it.
The main reason for the arch was to relocate the backstay to allow me to put a new huge bimini on. The bimini is 46 inches high, 78 inches wide, and 72 inches long. Bought the bimini at Bass Pro Shops online for about $230. A large bimini is a must for Florida summers. With this bimini on the 26X, there is over 6 ft of headroom under it, nice and comfortable.
I'm experimenting with folding half back to allow the main to be used. But now I mostly use just the big genoa with the complete bimini up.
Just put it in this week. An added bonus is that the rear arch provides back support to make it comfortable to sit up high by the rear stanchion using only a floatation cushion. Just tried that out today.
I'll put up more detail on the Mods page when I have time.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/ ... MG0518.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b249/ ... MG0523.jpg[/url]
Bob's arch is awsome, I've seen it. However, if all you really want is a mast support, Mark, modifying your old model x pedestal like the newer ones is the way to go (assuming there is room in pedestal with old steering system). The crutch there is solid as a rock, smaller x mast balances easy when lifting or lowering, and I find the crutch extremely useful for holding onto when powering fast on or off autopilot with my big 90 horse( You will too with your 115 horse). You never need to remove it. Plus I use it to hang things like sun shower or even trashbag.
Rolf
Rolf
Hey Mark,
I used inch and a half aluminium tube and mounted it off my stern rails. Its a permanent attachment, but could be easily unbolted if I had to. I got a local guy who makes aluminum truck bodies to bend the pipe as required and weld 4 tabs for attaching to stern rails. My boat is the 26M.
The aluminium is light weight and sturdy. I also put a roller and V block on top of the bar. The mast sits nicely in the V block for trailering.
I did post a mod about 6 months ago, probably under Exterior or miscellaneous - author Craig Garlick.
I used inch and a half aluminium tube and mounted it off my stern rails. Its a permanent attachment, but could be easily unbolted if I had to. I got a local guy who makes aluminum truck bodies to bend the pipe as required and weld 4 tabs for attaching to stern rails. My boat is the 26M.
The aluminium is light weight and sturdy. I also put a roller and V block on top of the bar. The mast sits nicely in the V block for trailering.
I did post a mod about 6 months ago, probably under Exterior or miscellaneous - author Craig Garlick.