by Guest » Mon Jan 24, 2000 1:00 am
My trailer doesn't have a "winch mast" but the previous owner made a support that cradles the mast out of PVC pipe. The vertical support fits in the hole in the cuddy and is notched to fit on the mast step. There is a section of pipe on top of the post that was made from a "T" fitting cut to fit the mast. A bolt slides throught the pipe inside the cabin and keeps the pipe from bouncing around and falling off the step. If we are going any distance, I loop a line around the foot of the mast and tie it to the winch to limit the mast flexing and bouncing. In addition, a second line is looped around the mast at the support and tied off where the stays attach to the boat.
At the stern the lights are mounted on a 2X4 that stands on padded blocks to clear the coaming. The mast is supported by another vertical 2X4 that attaches to the horizontal piece with a couple of close fitting cross pieces heavy rubber shock cords. The mast travels approximately parallel to the ground. (above hood height of following vehicles!) I use the main sheet and a couple of additional lines to the S & P cleats and top gudgeon for stability.
This all sounds fairly complex but it works fine, so I just used it.
Barry (bfk-at-sdcity.sannet.gov)