New DS II Owner

[baorbas]

We just brought home our DS and gave it a nice bath. I think we got this for a steal but I have no title and dont know any specifics. The numbers on the transom are 26504 and class 6008. I have read a lot of posts in this forum and I am sure there is someone who can enlighten us. We set the mast but it was a royal pain and I would like suggestions or hints to make that job easier. It is great to see so many enthusiasts in this area. I t has been a long time since I have sailed but I think it will come back fairly fast.

Bob

"Baby Steps"

[algonquin]

http://www.drmarine.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DS208

Welcome. Is your mast one piece ? If so it can be a real challenge to set it. Many of us that trailer sail have added a tabernacle that allows the mast to hinge just above the cuddy roof. It really makes it much easier to step the mast. If you plan on general sailing (no class racing) the tabernacle would really add to your sailing enjoyment. Brad

Here's some current discussion about the tabernacle:

http://forum.daysailer.org/forum/viewtopi ... =2501#9191

[baorbas]

The mast is one piece. My wife and I fought with it for quite awhile and pictured what we would look like at the dock trying to do this. I dont anticipate racing this boat. I did look at that piece after reading the discussion. There were mixed opinions so I thought I would think about it and do some more research. Still nervous about all of the issues I have read about but I guess thats what I get for $500 .

Bob

[adam aunins]

I read on here some where about using a milk jug or bleach bottle filled with water tied onto the mast just high enough to clear the cuddy roof once the mast is stepped. That way it will act as a counter weight and keep your mast up in the air as you step it.

If your sailing skills don't come back very quick maybe you'll get some "death therapy" . Did I get the "baby steps" from What about Bob, or do I just seem like a loon?

[Baysailer]

Here's 2 techniques, one I do by hand alone and the second I use a jig also done alone.

1. Hand raising the mast: Start with the mast laying sideways across the boat near the hole you drop it into. Your standing on top of the cuddy. Pick up the mast near the stays and basically walk it up so it's upright next to the boat. Now lift it up hand over hand keeping the mast as upright as possible. Once the bottom clears the deck you can take a breather. Still keeping it vertical lift it and place it (not drop) into the hole and on the mast jack. This last part is the hardest part and the only part where I think a second person is handy since they can guide it onto the jack. Usually a second person creates problems in the raising since a small movement on their side makes a large movement at the mast head, and thats what you don't want. Once it's on the jack it's pretty stable and you can go about connecting the stays. I tie off the jib halyard to a line to the trailer, this gives me some mental security and it makes it easier to put enough forward pressure to connect the forestay after the sidestays are connected.

2. Mast raising with mast crane: I use this method on my Rhodes (using an old mast for my crane) but it works just as well on a DS.
Items needed- a 12-14' 2X4 with an eye bolt on the top end and maybe a few on the bottom. A couple of old blocks to get a 2 or 3:1 purchase and 30'+ line (3/8" is easier on your hands). 2 small lengths of line and 2 tie downs.
Setup- Connect block and tackle to top eyebolt and place board on the side of the boat so the block aligns over the mast hole. On my DS there's a cleat there so I can tie the board to stablize it. Use two tiedowns to secure the bottom of the board to the trailer, making a triangle. Now the crane (board) is secure and won't move left, right, in, or out.
Lift and set- Tie a loop aroung the mast below the stays and connect it to the block. I find it easier to have the mast with the bottom facing forward but that may just be my preference. If you havce a second person have them raise the mast by pulling on the free end of the purchase. It's not heavy but still assist by lifting as high as you can. Your on top of the cuddy so you can control the mast. As it raises straighten it out so it's vertical and then lower it into position and on the mast jack.

It's a lot more wordy than it really is. The setup only takes a few minutes and you'll have great control raising and lowering the mast. It's raining today but if my camera works I'll get some pics tomorrow so you don't need the thousand words.

Fred B

[Baysailer]

OK the rain stopped but my camera is broke. I did raise and lower the mast using both methods though. I have to give my nod to the hand raising method, my upper stays caused a potetial snag. Try them both in your yard.

There was another post where a guy bought a tripod device that fixes to the chainplates. It may be worth checking out. Not sure if this is it but it may be similar in design. May cost a few bucks but cheaper than a mast and if its a hassle to get out you probably won't go much.

http://home.att.net/~sail-trailers/mastlift.html