How to Rig up the Mast on a 21-Foot Sailboat

Before you can enjoy a day of sailing, you must step the mast.

The annual stepping (raising) of the mast is a basic task every seasonal sailboat owner must perform. While not terribly demanding physically, the task involves copious attention to detail. Fail to execute everything properly, and your mast could come crashing down, most likely damaging your vessel or causing injury. One thing is certain: the old adage "don't sweat the small stuff" was uttered by someone who never stepped a mast. But with a little advance planning and the right tools, you can step the mast on your 21-foot sailboat relatively quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Box wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Needle nose pliers
• Three clevis pins
• 10 split cotter rings
• Mainsail halyard
• Jib halyard
• Wind finder (optional)
• Tension gauge
• Working knowledge of sailboat terminology
• Helper

Instructions

1. Release the mast from the bow crutch and, with the aid of your helper, slide it aft atop the stern mast crutch. When the base of the mast is amidships, stop and remove the pin or bolt from the bottom of the mast.

2. Slide the mast forward until the base is nestled in the center of the mast step atop the cabin. Insert the pin or bolt through the step, through the base of the mast and out through the corresponding hole on the other side of the mast step.

3. Secure the pin with a split cotter ring or reattach the locknut you previously removed from the mast bolt. Tighten the nut until it locks on securely, but not so tight that the movement of the mast will be restricted. Thread your mainsheet and jib halyards through the appropriate blocks (pulleys) and tie the ends of each line together. If you have a wind finder you wish to attach to the masthead, do so now.

4. Grasp one side of the mast while your helper does the same on the opposite side. Begin walking toward the bow while pushing the mast up and tipping it forward. As you do, the mast will pivot on the mast pin or bolt.

5. Pause at the mast step. The mast will be standing vertically but is not yet secured. Have your helper steady it while you attach the turnbuckle on the end of the forestay to the hole in the bow stem. Secure the turnbuckle with a clevis pin and split cotter ring wound through the hole at the end of the clevis pin.

6. Turn the turnbuckle in a clockwise direction a turn or two to begin adding a slight amount of tension to the forestay. Stop after two turns and feed the end of split cotter ring through the hole in the end of one of the threaded turnbuckle jaws. Work the ring around one side of the turnbuckle body as well. This will partially prevent the turnbuckle body from loosening. Your needle-nose pliers will come in handy to help accomplish this.

7. Push your turnbuckle boots partially up the shrouds, giving you clear access to the turnbuckle at the end. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 to attach the turnbuckle on the port shroud and starboard shroud. The shrouds will be clevis-pinned through the hole at the top of the port and starboard chainplates where each exits the deck. Secure each pin with a split cotter ring.

8. Add a slight amount of tension to both the port and starboard shrouds by turning the turnbuckle clockwise a turn or two. As with the forestay, pause after two turns. Have your helper tentatively and slowly release his grip on the mast. It should stand, though both shrouds and the forestay will need more adjustment.

9. Add additional tension to the shrouds by tightening each turnbuckle. The shrouds should be stiff and taut but still have a bit of flex. Use your tension gauge and the manufacturer's tension specifications to tighten them properly. When the proper tension has been achieved, secure both turnbuckle jaws with split rings. Slide the turnbuckle boots down over the turnbuckles. These vinyl sleeves protect the running rigging (jib sheets) from chafing.

10. Add additional tension to the forestay by tightening the turnbuckle. The forestay should be stiff and taut but still have a bit of flex as well. Use your tension gauge and the manufacturer's tension specifications to tighten it properly. When the proper tension has been achieved, secure both turnbuckle jaws with split rings. At this point, your mast will be standing straight, tall and secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave your boat trailer attached to your tow vehicle when stepping the mast. The trailer will sit level on the ground and will be properly supported at three points (tires and trailer tongue). The key when stepping the mast is discussing the steps in advance and deciding who will do what. While certainly not required, a wise sailor always has a few spare clevis pins and split cotter rings on hand.

• While the aluminum mast on a typical 21-foot boat is light, do not attempt to step it in winds much above five knots. Never attempt stepping the mast with the boat in the water. You will not have enough room on deck to work safely, and if you lose any tools, pins or rings over the side, you may be in for a very long day at the pier.