Well, if you could follow it through the typo's...

Posted By: Gary, 2023, Milwaukee
Date: 8/20/07 7:12a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: tight support guys are at wrong mast position (Paul Germain)

then you're better than I! My gin pole is definately FAR different than Maleia's posted picture. Mine penetrates, at base, from fore to aft, which I made. Pic's of it posted a year or two back. Maybe I'll try and find the pic for you. Err, maybe not (@ work). Dude that has 'The Bilge' website talks about how he simply positions mast, then, from cockpit, RUNS forward with mast on his shoulder until in position. (A really GOOD thing he also adds, is to MAKE SURE that you've a secured line about 7-8 feet up, so you can then tie mast forward/secure while you commense rigging). Thinking of this 'Bilge' guy (no offense, can't remember his name)... this certainly seems like the best and CERTAINLY the quickest way to step the mast. I've thought of it a time or ten but, truth is, I'm to scared to try it (I keep envisioning a slip, or stumble, while headed 'forward'. THEn where's the mast, eh? Anyway, Paul, if I understand you, you have enough mainsheet to start your stepping from the cockpit. And, as such, you simply 'muscle assist' the stepping by placing your mast on a shoulder? Hmm, if so... I truly like this approach a lot (when I step in high winds it can be rather... exciting). The mast on the shoulder would allow you/me to 'push' the mast while sheeting in, with the additional benefit of assisting with keeping it on the centerline. Correct? Hmm, maybe when I replace my main sheet, I'll make sure I get an extra dozen feet or so, as I don't have enough right now to try it. However, the weak point in all this (to me) is the unsupported gin pole. Actually, I have thought in the past of adding guys to it... think I've even mentioned it on this site. However, don't need them as long as I 'held' on. You know, I shall try it your way once I replace my main sheet. I like the idea. Never tried it, as my sheet has been to short to do so since I bought her. What's your gin pole look like, and how do you rig? Gary