We are thinking of going to the Norfolk Broads for a week's holiday in the summer.
Our boat came with a mast lifter but did not have a crutch to support the mast when lowered, which from past experience is essential on the Broads.
We would appreciate a reply from anyone who may have a view on the following query:
Does anyone have any dimensions or thoughts on materials for a crutch ?
Any suggestions as to where the legs should be positioned in the boat ?
How to attach the crutch to the boat ?
Thanks
Martin & Stephanie - Sea Brisk
Mast Crutch
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Martin & Stephanie Gu
- Anchored
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:44 pm
- Location: Nottingham
-
Martin & Stephanie Gu
- Anchored
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:44 pm
- Location: Nottingham
Dave,
We have only had the boat a couple of weeks, so we are not Swift 18 experts.
When we put up the mast for the first time at Rutland we noticed that with the mast bolted in position the goose neck etc [our boat is a 300 series with fixed goose neck] was resting on the cabin roof and risked damaging it, which is why we are thinking of a crutch.
Also with the mast down it helps to keep shrouds etc out of your way whilst trying to navigate through bridges.
We also have two very small children and thought it may reduce the risk of a mishap to one of them.
Martin & Stephanie
We have only had the boat a couple of weeks, so we are not Swift 18 experts.
When we put up the mast for the first time at Rutland we noticed that with the mast bolted in position the goose neck etc [our boat is a 300 series with fixed goose neck] was resting on the cabin roof and risked damaging it, which is why we are thinking of a crutch.
Also with the mast down it helps to keep shrouds etc out of your way whilst trying to navigate through bridges.
We also have two very small children and thought it may reduce the risk of a mishap to one of them.
Martin & Stephanie
Mast Crutch
Hi,
I made one from 2x1 timber.I started with two 3' lengths but this is too much really. Drilled several holes for multiple positions and put a big bolt and wing nut through the lot. I drilled a further hole about 40 cms from the base of each and at the base. I use these to lash the crutch to the backstay anchor points and to the pushpit rail in a position to suit the bridge. If you don't have a pushpit, you might bring the crutch into the cockpit, pad the ends and lash to the winches.
Having said all that, the last time under Potter Bridge it was a case of 'forget the crutch, and lay it on the pushpit'. Clearances have been really small of recent years. We are moored at Ranwoth, do stop for a cuppa if we are about.
Pauline
May 4, 2009 12:16:37 PM, forum-erection@swift18.org wrote:
I made one from 2x1 timber.I started with two 3' lengths but this is too much really. Drilled several holes for multiple positions and put a big bolt and wing nut through the lot. I drilled a further hole about 40 cms from the base of each and at the base. I use these to lash the crutch to the backstay anchor points and to the pushpit rail in a position to suit the bridge. If you don't have a pushpit, you might bring the crutch into the cockpit, pad the ends and lash to the winches.
Having said all that, the last time under Potter Bridge it was a case of 'forget the crutch, and lay it on the pushpit'. Clearances have been really small of recent years. We are moored at Ranwoth, do stop for a cuppa if we are about.
Pauline
May 4, 2009 12:16:37 PM, forum-erection@swift18.org wrote:
Post generated using Mail2Forum (http://www.mail2forum.com)We are thinking of going to the Norfolk Broads for a week's holiday in the summer.
Our boat came with a mast lifter but did not have a crutch to support the mast when lowered, which from past experience is essential on the Broads.
We would appreciate a reply from anyone who may have a view on the following query:
Does anyone have any dimensions or thoughts on materials for a crutch ?
Any suggestions as to where the legs should be positioned in the boat ?
How to attach the crutch to the boat ?
Thanks
Martin & Stephanie - Sea Brisk
Hello Martin and Stephanie,
When I bought 313 it came with a smash in the cabin top gelcoat where the gooseneck had slammed down at some point, so I think some kind of precaution is a good idea. The previous owner had an A frame roped to the pushpit for trailing. It has a U shaped top to hold the mast secure.
I've posted a picture in the Aperitif album.
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/phpBB2/g ... temId=1266
It's a bit bulky for sailing use but something like the bit on the top roped to the pushpit might be what you need to keep the gooseneck off the deck.
cheers,
martin
When I bought 313 it came with a smash in the cabin top gelcoat where the gooseneck had slammed down at some point, so I think some kind of precaution is a good idea. The previous owner had an A frame roped to the pushpit for trailing. It has a U shaped top to hold the mast secure.
I've posted a picture in the Aperitif album.
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/phpBB2/g ... temId=1266
It's a bit bulky for sailing use but something like the bit on the top roped to the pushpit might be what you need to keep the gooseneck off the deck.
cheers,
martin
Martin
S313 "Aperitif"
S313 "Aperitif"
-
Phil De Troy
- Making way
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:00 pm
- Location: Seneffe (Belgium)
Mast Crutch
I found a nice solution in Poland, see http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1273
Further, their boat have integrated systems, some using a toe-rail raised to be used as a pole. See here the toe-rail http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1276 (without the mast)
The top group of the block system is attached to the toe rail, the rope is permanently installed and, for ssafety, both parts are secured by a long pin when the mast is up.
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1278
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1280
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1282
Phil De Troy
Further, their boat have integrated systems, some using a toe-rail raised to be used as a pole. See here the toe-rail http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1276 (without the mast)
The top group of the block system is attached to the toe rail, the rope is permanently installed and, for ssafety, both parts are secured by a long pin when the mast is up.
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1278
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1280
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/gallery2 ... temId=1282
Phil De Troy
Post generated using Mail2Forum (http://www.mail2forum.com)----- Original Message -----
From: giraffe (forum-erection@swift18.org)
To: forum-erection@swift18.org (forum-erection@swift18.org)
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 11:55 AM
Subject: [Swift 18] Re: Mast Crutch
Hello Martin and Stephanie,
When I bought 313 it came with a smash in the cabin top gelcoat where the gooseneck had slammed down at some point, so I think some kind of precaution is a good idea. The previous owner had an A frame roped to the pushpit for trailing. It has a U shaped top to hold the mast secure.
I've posted a picture in the Aperitif album.
http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/phpBB2/g ... temId=1266
It's a bit bulky for sailing use but something like the bit on the top roped to the pushpit might be what you need to keep the gooseneck off the deck.
cheers,
martin
Martin
S313 "Aperitif"
Phil De Troy www.MicroClass.org