Before stepping the mast there needs to be several preparations in order for everything to go smoothly once the crane arrives. So take your time and double, triple check everything in order to keep from having to go aloft, or worse having to re-step the mast, once the mast has been stepped. Below you’ll see a few tips and guidelines on how to step a mast.
First, we fill out our pre-step checklist. So before we are even ready for the crane we must:
- Turn the mast to either track up or down depending on whether or not the boat is docked stern-to or bow-to
- Hang all standing rigging
- Ensure all turnbuckles are new or have been serviced
- Install spreaders and make/ seize spreader ends
- Test all light fixtures through the mast
- Ensure mast butt has proper drain
- Ensure mast butt has proper electrical access or wiring hole
- Rig mast boot if keel stepped
- Ensure all halyards are run correctly and on the correct side of the spreaders
- Run all messengers to be used to deck level, leave all unused messengers tied off tight aloft
- Ensure all clevis pins are inserted properly and cotter pins are bent correctly
- Silicone any remaining wiring holes or cotter pin legs aloft
- Windex has been installed and aligned
- All remaining masthead gear and electrical items have been installed
- The chain plates are in place and clevis pins and new cotter pins have been laid out next to chain plates
- The mast step is in place, clean and secure
- The deck ring (if keel stepped) is in place and secure
- The foresail furler(s) has/have been pinned and secured
- The rigging and the furler(s) has/have been lashed to the mast, ready to be lifted
Now we are ready for the crane. When rigging the crane’s hook to the mast, we use a 4′ endless lifting loop (this is generally long enough for most mast diameters, for larger masts a 6′ loop may be a good idea) which is rated adequately. Ultimately we suggest seeking the council of the crane operator. First we tape open the mousing latch. Then we rig the loop with a ‘single basket hitch‘, making sure not to trap any halyards (except for maybe one or two that can be used to help retrieve the loop later). It is also important to be mindful of which side of the loop the forestay(s) or backstay(s) is(are) placed, this can be determined by where the crane is set up relative to the boat. Then we have a heavy duty tag line into which we tie a large bowline. The bowline is then slipped over the lifting loop before it is attached to the crane’s hook (see picture above). The loop should be placed somewhere above the masts balancing point, this is VERY, VERY important and can cause the rig to upend if not picked from above the balancing point. Also be mindful of any gear on the front of the mast that might snag on the crane once vertical. Finally, the lifting loop is slightly tensioned by the crane, and the tag line is tied off tight using three half hitches around the mast at a strong point near the deck (underneath halyard winches, the goose neck or any available horn cleats). On a double spreader mast where the loop is attached above the lower spreader it might be difficult to retrieve the lifting gear once the mast is stepped. In this situation it may be advisable to attach another small tag line the crane hook and another one the lifting loop, these can be handy in retrieving the gear without having to go aloft.
Once the mast is sitting securely on the mast step, pin and lightly tension all of the stays. If for some reason you still find either the backstay or the headstay has been ‘locked out’ by the crane, make sure you have something, halyard or alternate stay, to take either forward or aft depending on your situation. If the mast is keel stepped there is slightly less of a chance of anything detrimental happening. However, you should still take every precaution before releasing the crane.
Now that the crane is out of the way, the mast has been technically stepped! There is still lots to do before you can go sailing. Next, take all halyards and lines away from the mast so that you can see what you are doing. Then chock and boot the mast at the partners (if keel stepped). Next, tune, pin and tape the standing rigging. Now, hang/rig the boom, connect all electrical items, and finish running the lines…………as I always like to say, ready for sails! ~exit the rigger
