I have a CL 16 and have no problem raising the mast by myself. Though I do have the luxury of a pivot bolt I know this technique will work for you.

First of all secure the shrouds (side stays). The secret to my success is tying a spare line to my spinnaker haylard (Jib halyard will also suffice) and run it through a block placed on the bowplate (a "S hook" helps here to attach the block to the plate.) At that point I run the line aft to the cockpit and through the cleat for the jib sheet. This set-up allows me to get in the boat. Look for anything that will entangle the shrouds etc. (I always make sure that the side stays are not hindered and as a precaution I point the turnbuckles forward) Position the mast in place by hand and then cleat the rope on the jib cleat to secure the mast. The mast is now secure and will not fall down. At this point I get out of the boat grab the forestay and attach it to the bow plate. Your mast is now up!!

This system has saved my a lot of headaches. I've even tried it while at the dock and had no problems.

Robert

posted January 27, 2002 10:52 AM            

A pivoting mast is available for the CL14, but it is almost impossible to retorfit on a 14 that is already built.

My method for sinlge person stepping is as follows.

Set the boat up so it is secure, and will not sway side to side. If you use a road trailer, put some blocks behind it so it will not "pop a wheelie" when you walk back.

Next, check over your mast to ensure there are no tangles and such. Carry the mast to a close location to the boat.

CHECK FOR OVERHEAD WIRES, TRESS, OR CARS THAT COULD BE A PROBLEM!!!

Pick the mast about 5/8 of its lenght away from the step and this should make the foot of the mast naturally tilt down, towards the ground, this is what you want. Lodge the foot of the mast against something solid, a trailer tire is best, and this "push" up and use the tire as a pivot to lift the mast to its upright position.

Now, since you are close to the trailer if you used the tire, lean the mast against the gunwale (side) of the boat, but keep one hand on it. Now, me being 19 I can easliy hop into the boat while keeping one hand on the mast to stop it from swaying, but it the boat will take the weight, thats why I rest it against it.

Next, CHECK AGAIN FOR WIRES!!! then lift the mast smoothly into the boat. The trick is to not allow the head of the mast to lean, that is where all the weight that makes it akward comes from. From here you can put the mast into its step and secure the safety line that will hold the mast while you attach the rigging. THere is a picture of safety line in the 14 Manual... yes... it is done.

CHeck that out and you should be able to get something going.

Hope this helps a bit... sailing like most everything else demand the althete to have their own style, and after all the coaching I have done I noticed that atlhetes will spawn themselves from all the others around them, taking what they feel are the best ideas and making them work for themselves. Hopefully this Online Forum will lend to that.

Once you have everything lined up, try resting the top of the mast on a high object (a ladder) that would put the base of the mast closer to the step. Then guide it in place as you pull on the rope. (less of a wrestling match for ya).

posted January 30, 2002 08:58 PM            

I am used to coaching and have to refer to the sailors as athletes for obvious reasons.

I find it is best to step the mast while the boat is on the trailer for stability and in the area where we are, you won't get death threats from the local hotshot water cowboy jetski riders waiting to use the ramp.

Perhaps I can draw you up a little diagram of an idea I was toying with at the shop using the trailer winch and a pole to rails the mast... there has to be a way to get you sailing with less trouble.