Unstepping Lm27 mast

[alanfareham]

Hi All 
New to the site having recently purchased an LM27 and in need of some advice please.
I have a number of mast issues including a seized colnbrooke reefing swivel and lack of wind direction indicator.
I cannot see how the mast foot is released and hence then the best way to lower the mast, any help on the subject will be gratefully received.
Alan

[oceandancer]

Hi Alan,
You will need a crane to lower the mast. I am assuming you have a standard mast foot and not a tabernacle.
With the mast supported by the crane by means of a strop beneath the cross trees you slacken and release all 8 wires and the crane can then lift the mast off. I'm afraid it's quite an expensive procedure Gosport boat yard charge £98 plus vat each way.
Alternatively you could go up the mast while it is standing by means of a bosuns chair or mast ladder.

I am based at Hornet in Gosport and can lend you a mast ladder. You hoist it using a halyard or topping lift but you must wear a harness attached to another halyard and tended by an assistant using the mast winch. let me know if you would like to borrow it. I regularly pass Fareham on my way to my boat.

Regards

Mick

[alanfareham]

Hi Mick thanks for the advice.
The mast foot is not a tabernacle, its standard i believe, bolt at the front pin across the back.
I would like to do the work myself if possible and be interested to have a look at the ladder although i've had people look at the halyards saying that they don't think they're man enough for a man aloft, perhaps a ladder might be the answer.
Can i ask does the mast just lift off once the rigging is released?
Maybe if you're passing sometime soon we could meet up for a cuppa on board? i'm down at Upper Quay Marina most days.
Regards Alan

[oceandancer]

Hi Alan,
Yes the mast is just lifted out of whatever type of foot you have, some are just sitting on a an inverted 'T' section and some, like mine fit into a surround the same shape as the mast section. Sometimes there is a bolt you have to remove.

My mast ladder is like a rope ladder but made of webbing. Runners fit into the sail slot on the mast. You secure yourself at the top with a standard webbing safety strop so you can work with both hands.

You do need a good halyard to hoist it and another as security for the climber. If your halyards are a bit tatty then now may be the time to replace them.

I will look in to Upper Quay to see if I can find you on Thursday Morning.

Regards

Mick