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We got the mast up yesterday evening, whilst tied up to the jetty at Parsley bay. Never again. Diana, you should have been there with your video camera. it must have looked like a circus. Sadly there is one issue. It seems the lower shrouds are connected to the mast incorrectly. So I will have to go up the mast (half way) and fix my error. As soon as I can get my hands on a Bosun's Chair I will be going aloft. I guess it is OK to go up to midway with the 4 lower shrouds disconnected (i.e. mast held by only 4 shrouds, namely fore, aft and caps)??????what do you think, anyone done it?
Cheers, John
P.S. so my sailing is delayed. (mast was in our back yard for over 3 months). It is gonna be sweet when we do get to sail again>

John.
No-one can tell you its safe to climb your mast without visually assessing it.
You have to assess the risk yourself. IF you are worried, don't do it.
Consider the risk, consider the consequences, remove the risk or reduce it and then, if you're satisfied, do it.
Its just like crossing the road.

Would love to hear more about the mast raising.

Greg.

yeah its fine just get on up there, no need for a bosuns chair either just tie a bowline on yer halyard that'll do. Only this time make sure there is someone there with the video, that way if you have a mishap you can get it on the funny video show and make enough money to have a rigger look at it for you

Dulcamara is at present at Riggtech in Newport after getting an (ouch!!) estimate of $4500 for removal of the mast, replacement of fore, aft, caps and lowers as well as the 'nuts' 'turnbuckles' what ever you call them. He's also removing the extenal antenna cable, putting a conduit inside the mast and running both the antenna and the lighting cables in the conduit, and putting it all back together including a running topping lift (the original was static and a pain) he's also re-welding the forward chainplate/bow roller and re-inforcing it with additional bolts. It only had one on the top and two (but one missing) down the front. Apparently the model and condition of the 'nuts' was original equipment according to the rigger. Oh, and he's re-inforcing the pulpit because there was a broken bolt.

I should have it back this week and will have been without it for about 10 days. For me, if his job is as good as his reputation, it's worth it to spend that kind of money, considering I don't know how old the rig is, don't know what the top of the mast is like and basically don't have three months to muck around and do it at home.

I'm going to be well pleased I think, and back on the water for Australia Day!

You have been ripped off it's a 25 foot yacht for goodness sake, I had my 52 foot ketch (two masts) refitted for $3500.00 ,,,!!!!!

Oberon, I disagree. I'm not being ripped off, there is a lot more work being done than just stays, shrouds and lowers. Plus, it's now 2012, when did you get yours done? And did they use Chinese pins and buckles or quality Australian made?

Apportioned over 15 years, which is when it should need doing again, mine will cost just $70 more per year. Peanuts really.

you mean we still manufacture things in Australia?

I still say for safety things like rigging and masts.
Get a professional to do it.

Yes it costs money but peace of mind is worth it.

p.s.
I went for a swim with my phone and all my photos, contacts etc for the last 6 months, since I did my last backup are gone.


pps

I was in Parsley Bay yesterday via land.
Still dreaming about buying a house there within walking distance to the water and a mooring so I can go for a sail quickly and easily.

Have found the house.
It just needs a bit of TLC and a lottery win.

Ahhh dreams

and those would be the same professionals who misplaced you old headsail furler? kuhching..

hey how come my last three posts say 81 posts?

My phones also have a habit of diving into the water at every opportunity. I have had an 'ifoat' phone for the past year and I can now verify that it does float and works fine even after a swim or two. They are very basic phones and the microphones in them are pretty ordinary but knowing I have it in my pocket when sailing gives me a little added piece of mind. I do not think anyone has come up with a shockproof, waterproof, floating iphone yet, but they will make a fortune when they do.

On the rigging question. I also use a professional(Roospars). When Storm petrel was last re-rigged(2005) it cost $2500 and included fitting new 'heavy duty' chain plates. The custom SS chain plates cost another $440 to be fabricated. Adding a few extra bells and whistles pushed the all up re-rig cost over $4000.

I would think that in 2012, $4500 is not outrageous if the rigger is doing a lot of additional work beyond the standard re-rig.

Michael, what size wire are you using and what sort of back-stay adjuster are you having fitted??

Cheers,
Mark
'Storm Petrel'