Re-stepping mast

[Mayhem # 1611]

We take our mast off for winter storage and have a dickens of a time trying to get the back stay to reach when putting it back on. We first attach the roller furling which is already extended and open the turnbuckles on the back stay and it always seems to be about an inch or two short. Any suggestions?

[jentine]

I wonder if "Spartite" would affect the positioning of the mast for easier stepping.  It sets the position of the mast in a relatively fixed column and should be the same each year.
Just a thought.
Jim Kane

[Alan May, Mayhem #1611]

Ron, we did something similar to your pulley suggestion last spring with success but it was still difficult. We had nothing in the aft centre of the boat to attach the other end to so we were pulling at an angle. We didn't want to pull against the stern pulpit for fear of pulling it from the deck. Any more thoughts?
Jim, not sure what 'spartite' is but the mast steps on deck in a collar that allows for no variation. I guess I just don't understand.
Thanks, Alan

[jentine]

I was not aware that the mast steps "on deck".  Spartite is used for keel stepped masts.  It would be of no use to you.
I have mounted my radar on the backstay and have the same problem as you.  I put the backstays on first and using the spare jib halyard, the vang that came with the boat and the capstan, I have been able to put sufficient strain on the mast to connect the turnbuckles.  I won't be removing the mast for another 10 years.  Once is enough.
Jim Kane

[Phil Spicer]

We got our 88 five years old. the mast is pulled every fall. For 3 years the yard & I had to fight to get the rigging back together....I am talking about ALL the rigging. Even the port
and starbord would be a problem. Get one side on & the other side wsa a real fight. Spring #4.
The snow was almost gone. So I went to the yeard & cut 3/4" off the bottom....should have taken 1-1/4". Now the fight is not so hard & I still have plenty of threads after I tune the rig.
Phil Spicer....Steamboat 789