Powerlines & Masts Don't Mix!

[C Buchs]

We took our annual trip from our home to Astoria this year. It's a 94 nm trip that we spent three days completing. This year's trip included some firsts. I'll discuss one of those first here. After pulling the boat out of the water at a busy ramp, my son pulled into a space so we could take the mast down. I was worried we would be in the way, so I asked him to move to a different spot. What I failed to notice was the power lines on the way. The result was some sparks, excitement, and a dismasting.


Luckily no one was injured! I just finished checking all my electronics and everything is working. At this point, I think we need to replace the following:
1. Mast
2. Standing Rigging (it was all replaced this year)
3. UV cover on Jib (it rubbed on the lines, it was new last year)
4. Spreader tubes (they were replaced this year)
5. VHF antenna (broke when the mast fell)
6. Rub rail (mast hit it on the way down)

The above totals about $2500. We're talking with our insurance company and I'll need some labor quotes. We're disappointed that we made this mistake, but I'm posting it here as a reminder to everyone to look up! I can update anyone interested in how the process goes. I'd also be interested in getting advice from anyone who's been through this before.

Jeff

[LordElsinore]

oh man! sorry to see. Glad no one got hurt. I'm always paranoid about that even though there are no power lines at our boat ramp

[closehaul]

Sorry for your experience. I observed a similar event with a sailor and a tree limb. It happens fast - but is in slow motion when reliving (don't relive it). To recover some of your cost you may want to consider chopping into 4'~5' sections and selling to Mac owners that are converting to trawlers. Sorry for your experience, Closehaul

[Russ]

Sorry to hear of this.

Our marina has a tree right next to the ramp that is always a danger when launching. They FINALLY removed the tree this year.
Ramps really need to mark overhead dangers better.

Let us know how the repair progress goes.

[NiceAft]

Ach

Sorry to read about the demasting and stuff.

Had an eye opener when I saw your destination was Astoria, and it was only 94 miles from home. The only Astoria I knew about is Astoria, Queens, NY. . I’m sure Greg has been there, but not in the Olley Gray

[Starscream]

Oh no!!!

Thanks for the post though. It's not easy to share lessons like that, but it's very helpful reminder to the rest of the community.

[leefrankpierce]

Seems I read where BY ships new masts in sections.
Someone mentioned cutting a couple of feet of mast, then cutting off the sail slot so that it is an open C channel that can be made to fit inside the mast, then rivets.

It is possible B.Y. can instruct you on how to splice what you have.
https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/3210-1v0.htm

[pitchpolehobie]

No one injured and some superficial damage. Glad youre ok and the boat should clean up well !!

[C Buchs]

Seems I read where BY ships new masts in sections.
Someone mentioned cutting a couple of feet of mast, then cutting off the sail slot so that it is an open C channel that can be made to fit inside the mast, then rivets.

It is possible B.Y. can instruct you on how to splice what you have.
https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/3210-1v0.htm

I thought about trying to splice my mast, but there is a burn hole from the power line and a few spots in the track with dents that would be pretty hard to fix. I live 2.5 hours south of Seattle. So I'm planning to drive up the BWY to pick up the new mast. It will be cool to meet Todd and Cheryl!

Jeff

[leefrankpierce]

Seems I read where BY ships new masts in sections.
Someone mentioned cutting a couple of feet of mast, then cutting off the sail slot so that it is an open C channel that can be made to fit inside the mast, then rivets.

It is possible B.Y. can instruct you on how to splice what you have.
https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/3210-1v0.htm

I thought about trying to splice my mast, but there is a burn hole from the power line and a few spots in the track with dents that would be pretty hard to fix. I live 2.5 hours south of Seattle. So I'm planning to drive up the BWY to pick up the new mast. It will be cool to meet Todd and Cheryl!

Jeff

In that case, you can use the boat itself to transport. Cool

[LordElsinore]

To recover some of your cost you may want to consider chopping into 4'~5' sections and selling to Mac owners that are converting to trawlers.

What is the purpose of the mini-mast for Mac trawlers?

[closehaul]

A place for the ‘steaming light’. Only required if trawling at night. Closehaul

[Gazmn]

Ach

Sorry to read about the demasting and stuff.

Had an eye opener when I saw your destination was Astoria, and it was only 94 miles from home. The only Astoria I knew about is Astoria, Queens, NY. . I’m sure Greg has been there, but not in the Olley Gray

First thing I thought too Ray

[Stickinthemud57]

Oh, boy. Been there, done that.

When I got back into sailing several years back, I bought a used Hunter 170 (17' daysailer), and after a little remedial work was ready to take it out for a spin with my wife along to help with rigging.

The excursion went well enough (got me hooked on sailing again!), but after pulling out at the busy launch ramp, I decided to do the other boaters a favor and get out of the crowded parking lot. While crossing to road to the expanded parking area, I failed to notice the power line with results similar to the OP's. As sorry as I felt for myself, I felt worse for my wife who had to endure watching me almost cry while knowing there was nothing she could do or say that would make things better.

I managed to repair the mast with help from the good folks at Dwyer Aluminum and have since sold that boat. Much more aware of overhead obstructions now.

[The Islander]

Has anyone ever used a hand held distance gun that could give an accurate reading from the bow or when on the ground to get an accurate distance for mast clearance? Would the beam on the gun pick up on the distance of a small power line?

This could be used while under power when boating in an areas that you are unfamiliar with.

Thanks