Concept... and Proof of Concept

One issue I've had with unstepping Gardens' mast alone is in lifting the mast two, or so, inches for the stub tenon to clear the mortise in the mast step so the mast can be walked back to horizontal using the Slot in the deck.  Reaching across the three feet between BH-2 and the mast is not too difficult, but having enough leverage to lift the mast straight up is the problem. Someone standing on the foredeck can easily lift the mast vertically, but that same person cannot then lower the mast. So, I needed a solution for unstepping the mast by myself.

Concept: A Mast Lift consisting of a Lever, a Fulcrum, and a block of wood attached to the mast. Lifting the mast is helped by stepping on the lever... That's the Concept.

The lever is White Oak: 1.25"x1.25"x 36" 

The fulcrum is a T-section: White Oak: 1"x3"x6" base with a 1"x3"x6" upright (with a 1.25" notch)

The block is  White Oak: 1"x1.25"x4" screwed to the mast

Proof of Concept:

Not the best photo. The Proof of Concept utilized the mast support (used when trailering), not the full mast. The prototype fulcrum was modified from what is in the photo to the dimensions listed above.  The block on the mast support is pine - not white oak. (Ignore the yellow lifting strap in the foreground and the dust collection on the stringers in the background.)

I'll pull Gardens into the yard for rigging and testing the changes (mast traveller, lazy-jacks, etc.) made over the winter, including the "mast lift."

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