Solo Mast Raising Jig - Hunter 23 Mast Raising

Raising the mast on my 1987 Hunter 23. I made a new stabilizing jig for solo mast raising and I am pleasantly surprised at how well it works.
update: Aug 2023: been using this system all summer, had zero issues with it; no binding, no sticking, raised the mast on slopes and in winds. raised and lowered the mast at least 8 times.

[@thomasrichardson4520]

Attaching A-frame to the slug is brilliant.

[@danleonard8287]

I’ve been looking at well over 20 videos for ideas to raise my ~ 28’ mast on my Sovereign 23’ myself, and your “sail slug” idea is the best (Brilliant! as Tom noted) for mast side-to-side worry. Thanks so much! Bubs ⛵️

[@AndyPaul-q8m]

Thank you that was the best system I have ever see

[@backtothebarky]

Using that slot is the key, nice one 👍🏻

[@squallyheiferadventures]

So simple it is awesome. One of the best mast raising setups. New sub.

[@eddoane1584]

I was thinking through some ideas to do this for my Cal 22. I was thinking of making a unit to glide on the OD of the mast with a felt liner, but if I can find a piece to run in the mainsail track, I like this idea better! Bravo! Thank you for sharing.

[@CommentRedacted]

Glad I could help!

[@JohnVH-diy]

I made the same thing using just a 2x4 and some straps. Turn your pulley system around so the cam cleat is at the bow then you can pull on the rope from the cockpit.

[@CommentRedacted]

I tried it that way but the way the cam cleat is it makes it difficult to unlock the line from the cleat and it pulls at a really odd angle.

[@pecceria85]

Very good 👍

[@AndyPaul-q8m]

Going to build my own

[@CommentRedacted]

You absolutely should! Works like a charm. I've solo stepped the mast about 10 times this year and had zero issues so far.

[@bryanhaslam]

Brilliant! I might see if I can create this system for my Catalina 22

[@giono2]

Are the pipes just home store conduit? They shouldn't bear any load, other than minor lateral loads, so I'm guessing conduit would be sufficient.

[@CommentRedacted]

That is exactly what they are. 1/2" x 10 foot electrical conduit cut in half that fit inside 3/4" x 10 foot electrical conduit cut in half. I'm planning to do a build video soon.

[@ramseyhazbun9614]

This is one of the better solutions I've seen. Please post that build video before spring!@@CommentRedacted

[@gregbown6977]

Should the hooks mounted to the boat be in-line with the mast? Is this critical? I’m looking at using this entire example so that I can easily solo step my mast What are people using for the sliding mast track component?

[@CommentRedacted]

No the tie downs for the "stabilizer poles" do not need to be in-line with the mast, you do have to position them so that you don't interfere with the cabin top when the mast is lowered. If you watch the video closely, you'll see how close the stabilizer poles come to the top of the cabin. At 0:10 you can see how far back the tie downs are from the mast pivot. I used what is called an "outhaul slug" that happened to fit in the mast track. You'll have to measure your mast track to find out what you need. I ordered my outhaul slug from "rig-rite.com" and I had to sand down the outhaul slug to fit properly.

[@hiPeeks]

2 questions, can you ship me one? :) and can you tell me your the measurement of the top of your bunker to the keel support for your trailer? I am modifying mine right now... Thanks brother!

[@CommentRedacted]

Hahah it would be much cheaper to make your own lol. The next time I'm out at the boat I will try and get you the dimensions but could prove to be difficult to measure with the boat on the trailer. It also all depends on how wide the bunks are on your trailer as well.

[@hiPeeks]

@@CommentRedacted oh yeah, I need that measurement too... bunk to bunk distance :P Appreciate it if you could get those for me, I just bought a 1987 Hunter 23 - First sailboat, brought it home to my place in Long Island via 4.5-5 hour first sail... already addicted!

[@ViktarPisarchyk]

Was there any side to side play?😂

[@CommentRedacted]

If you look close you might see a couple of microns of play but well within specifications 🤣🤣🤣.

[@tomstaples8949]

Nice set up. Looks quite doable in windy area as well.

[@CommentRedacted]

Wind, tilt, uneven terrain, on the water....ya it works really well. I recently built a new jhin pole and I think I'm going to do an overview video/build video soon.

[@ceremonialguardsman]

Ive got that same step on my H23... Such a horrible design.