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Picked up a 26M recently, looking forward to getting it on the water. There's a little ramp by the marina where I'm getting a slip. But there are trees overhead so the only option to put the mast up is on the ramp itself. Am I likely to encounter any problems raising the mast with the boat tilted sternwards?

I would not raise it while on the ramp.

- other folks may be waiting to use the ramp and you’ll unnecessarily delay them

- you’ll be tempted to rush the job and may make an error that could cause damage or injury

- doing it on the ramp will actually be more difficult, since the boat is leaning aft… and so is the mast… so when fully raised it will still be pulling aft and not be at equilibrium as it would be afloat

- it’s quite easy to raise the mast safely while on the water, either docked or at anchor, and you can take your time and do it right

If you’re getting a slip, raise the mast there. I have done this many times. I’m sure many us of have. Just be careful not to drop any tools into the drink.

I would agree with the comments above. I would also add that there is a far greater likelihood of tripping or falling off the boat if the boat is tilted backwards at an angle. You'll also find it nearly impossible to pin the forestay.

An option not mentioned above: contact the owner of the ramp and request that the trees be pruned. If the ramp is run by the city, they will often be willing to do that. If needs be, reach out to a local trailer sailor club and have them add their voices to your request.

I agree with the above. A proper ramp should not have obstructions above, be it trees or power lines. Our marina recently cut down a tree by the ramp that was in the way of masts.

I would contact them and explain how their ramp is not safe.

Unless you know for a fact that you will have the ranp to yourself, that's a bad place to try to do it.
Plan B, if you are getting a slip, raise it in the slip.

ralphe wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 6:06 pm Picked up a 26M recently, looking forward to getting it on the water. There's a little ramp by the marina where I'm getting a slip. But there are trees overhead so the only option to put the mast up is on the ramp itself. Am I likely to encounter any problems raising the mast with the boat tilted sternwards?

Thanks for the comments everyone.

I should have said it's a private ramp owned by the marina. I've never seen anyone use it so there won't be a queue behind me. I can ask them about the trees, but I think the issue might be that they own the ramp but the trees are owned by the council.

Raising it at the slip is probably the best plan. The ex owner said on the trailer would be better, good to know this is something others do regularly.

It would mean going a short distance to the slip with the mast horizontal, is it easy enough to do that?

First, congratulations on your new boat! Welcome aboard!

Trying to raise the mast on the ramp is a really bad idea. Between the sloped (in the wrong direction) cabin top and the angry boaters lined up behind you it's not going to be pleasant. Even if you are the only one there it is considered bad form to block the ramp any longer than absolutely necessary.

Option #1: Raise the mast on the trailer. This is the most stable platform to work on and has the added advantage that whatever you drop will be in the parking lot, not the water. I have dropped things. You will drop things. We all drop things.

Option #2: Raise the mast at the dock (or slip). This is almost as stable as the trailer but does have the aforementioned problem with things that sink (or float away). Let's just say, "Things affected by gravity" and leave it at that. This is the one I normally use (or did use) until Helene and her storm surge picked up all of the docks and piled them up a block or so away along with a good part of the town.

Option #3: Raise the mast on the water. I've done this several times launching at a local lake that has significant overhead obstructions and the only dock is alongside the ramp. With a bit of practice and care it's not that bad but it's definitely my last choice.

Correction: I forgot #4 which is by far my last choice. Option #4: Don't raise the mast and don't sail.

I often raise the Mast when docked in the water.

Does not matter. When you already have the Mast raised it is easier to dock an walk along the boat. That's all.

Raise it in the slip. I've done it when I had to lower the mast to fix a device on the top. Just be careful dropping stuff overboard.

ralphe asked:

It would mean going a short distance to the slip with the mast horizontal, is it easy enough to do that?

The answer is yes. My admiral and I, due to advancing age, developed a two stage process for trailering our boat to and from our marina slip depending on the weather (heat) and energy levels. The first day we launch the boat with mast in trailered position unstepped. We motor from the ramp to the slip. The next day we go back and step the mast and bend on the boom and mainsail. To put it on the trailer we reverse the process. Obviously, the foredeck is a little less accessible for line handling with the mast in the trailer stowed position, but it can be worked around by using the mast as a handrail to get to the foredeck from the cockpit. Using a boat hook to snag the dock cleat is very helpful in that circumstance. Back aft there is enough headroom for the helmsman to handle the aft mooring cleat with a book hook, as well. Having the mooring lines already bent on to the boat cleats and ready to deploy to the dock is helpful (and fenders). Embarking and disembarking is always easier for me at the cockpit/aft area than trying that at the bow. I never ask my Admiral or any crew to jump to the dock from the bow. And, yes, things do drop occasionally---pins, ring dings, hats, rags, pressure cleaning wands... Good luck. Any way you can get on the water safely is a good way. Blessings!

Just to pile on…

Splash it. Fill the ballast tank. Motor to your slip (works fine - just don’t trip in all of the standing and running rigging). Once you’re secured in the slip, raise the mast. Don’t try to raise the mast when the boat is not close to level, particularly side-to-side.

Buy some spare bolts, nuts, quick pins, and a few extra tools. Something will likely go overboard during the process.

Good luck! And welcome to the elite M-owners group. We just need to know whether you have the white hull, or the blue hull…. It’s a pecking order thing.

Jimmyt wrote: ↑Sun Mar 30, 2025 2:47 pm Just to pile on…

Splash it. Fill the ballast tank. Motor to your slip (works fine - just don’t trip in all of the standing and running rigging). Once you’re secured in the slip, raise the mast. Don’t try to raise the mast when the boat is not close to level, particularly side-to-side.

Buy some spare bolts, nuts, quick pins, and a few extra tools. Something will likely go overboard during the process.

Good luck! And welcome to the elite M-owners group. We just need to know whether you have the white hull, or the blue hull…. It’s a pecking order thing.

Jimmyt is right on. Key points if you fill on the water/dock- make sure to fill the ballast and drop your centerboard to help keep the ship stable even at the dock while raising the mast. Id encourage you to raise it the first time with very little wind.

Id go thru the process of raising and lowering the mast start to finish in your head then do a dry run on your deck a few times. buy a set of tools just for that if you need them and buy spare pins for anything you use to raise and lower the mast- i keep it all in a special bag that has a caribiner clip and. I clip it to my stanchion to keep it accessible. If you are lucky enough to have help youll want spares bc things DO go overboard and u dont wanna waste anyones time. Ive found its a simple 2 person job and a giant PITA for 1person. (This post brought to you by experience)

I’m seventy-five. I do it all by myself, for twenty years. I find it easier than giving instructions. I never see it as a chore, rather one more step to getting on the water.

Enjoy your boat. Post pictures. Have fun. Post more pictures.

Ray is a better man than I am.

Like pitchpolehobie, I prefer to have help - preferably the admiral. I do all of the heavy lifting, while she keeps the rigging from getting tangled, and removes the Velcro strapping from the aft end (there are a lot of Velcro straps on my rig for trailering). She works the aft section while I work the foredeck. Having a good helper cuts 10-15 minutes off the process for me. I can do it myself. But, I would rather not. It’s even better with a friend or two on the ground to hand us the stuff we drop, or take the few items I want to leave in the truck.

Your boat, your rules.

Love you, Ray!