I always use mine, although

Posted By: Gary, 2023, Milwaukee
Date: 8/17/07 8:56a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Support Guys (Bob Frak)

I believe that they are more like 7" up from the mast base. When I 'dropped' my mast, due to the gin pole collapsing side ways, they certainly helped save the day. I always try to put the bow (obviously) straight into the wind when either going up or down. But like Seth said, mine are tight PRIOR to stepping, slack developes as I hoist. As such, when I 'dropped' the mast, there was slack in those guys. So, as the pole went a pinch to port, and then the weight caused it to ever-more-quickly bend further to post (very fast), this resulted in at least two things: first, the pole going off to port caused the mast to push further to windward (port). Could have been a real mess. Either on it's way down, or while bouncing, I believe the STBD side of the 'hinge' bolt popped out. Probably while bouncing. Fell at an angle across the hatch. Length of the mast caused it to 're-bound' into the air, where it quivered in a most unbelievable fashion, came down for multiple (yet decreasing) re-bounds. So, yes, the guys DO work. However, a quick thought, and everyone will understand, that the ONE thing that is NOT supported in ths proceedure, is the gin pole, itself. Hence, regardless of whether it was a 1 in a billion fluke (or not), I always tell everyone NEVER let go the gin pole. I mean, it only takes a single FINGER on it to make sure it stays on the center line a, as long as it's centered, there's no 'lateral' force on it, just force along it's length. So VERY obviously, I hope this never happens to anyone else. But as I mentioned above to Paul (and anyone else), if you/we DON'T maintain the gin pole on the center line... "unfortunately" you may find out what I'm talking about. Of course... and please keep in mind... My Santana has been EXTENSIVELY modified prior to my owning her. Lots of things are different, and probably more differences than I yet know. Like, you guys have some sort of aluminum 'box' type brackets on the transom for rear mast crutch support, while I do not (never had them as far as I can determine). Point being, my gin pole set up may be vastly different from all you guys, as far as I would know. So, perhaps this 'issue' might pertain only to my Santana? Either way... never, ever, let go of the gin pole! I've had her 40% lowered before, line snags something... I will actually raise her entirely, as I won't let go of the pole. Hey! Probably just my issue, you know? Hope it never happens to any of you guys. Gary