Saturday, 16 March 2013

Mast cradles for transport

A vexing question. How do I best transport mast, mizzen and sails on Arwen when towing her?
Up to now I have had something similar to that used by Daveejay on his navigator 'korora' but I only made a rough set and they are starting to fall apart and need replacing.
At present I rest the masts on cushions on the coaming fore and aft and tie them down. It works but it takes time tying them on and off.

Dave's cradles and his lovely navigator can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davejay/4414077191/sizes/l/in/photostream/ 

 So do I go with something similar again or could I try this method which I have sketched on the iPad. It would rest across the coatings fore and aft and the front of he masts and sails would then rest on a similar cradle whose vertical post would slot into the mast hole on the front deck. I dunno.......so if anyone has some advice or tips on best way to carry mast etc; or which of the two methods I have mentioned he is best.......then do please let me know as I'd like to make the cradles ready in time for Easter........which is only two weeks away!

 Steve


http://www.flickr.com/photos/davejay/4414077191/sizes/l/in/photostream/
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5 comments:

  1. Joel Bergen16 March 2013 at 21:14

    Hey Steve,
    Take a look at my mast carriers. They are very similar to what you are considering. They work quite well. Here is a link. http://tinyurl.com/b5k6mdq
    The photo is messy so I'll explain. The front carrier rests on the foredeck. It has two bits of rope on its sides that tie it down to the bow cleats. The aft carrier rests on the side decks and has a short rope at its center that hold it down by attaching to the mainsheet's cam cleat on the aft centerboard case. All 4 spars are lashed to both carriers with bits of rope about a foot long. This might be improved by using bungee cords or something. The blue padding is foam cut from an old backpacking sleeping pad. I like it because it's cheap, simple, and easy (that's the way I roll) and requires no modifications to the boat. More than happy to answer any questions or do a blog post for you with more photos and details. -Joel

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  2. steve16 March 2013 at 22:45

    That is exactly what I was envisaging Joel. Perfect
    Cheers
    Now I know what I am aiming for
    Thanks for showing me
    Appreciated

    Steve

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  3. Anonymous16 March 2013 at 22:51

    I went a bit simpler than that .... A box section that slips over my samson post carries the top end of my mast and a small cut away in the rear coaming takes the bottom end. Mizzen and all spars actually fit inside the boat.

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  4. Joel Bergen17 March 2013 at 00:47

    Fantastic Steve! Glad to be of service. Hope all is well with you, especially you Dad. I've been making minor improvements to Ellie and am looking forward to the year's first sail too.

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  5. steve17 March 2013 at 21:46

    I've already started producing the cross beams; first one cut out and sanded. Got to build the supporting blocks as well and get t he bungee to tie them down. Like you Joel, I have one or two old camping mats in the basement. Poor things, little do they know what mutilation they face!

    Thanks for the ideas and tips gents

    Steve

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking a look at my blog. All comments and advice are welcome - drop me a few lines. You can always find videos about Arwen at www.youtube.com/c/plymouthwelshboy. Look forward to hearing from you.
Steve