Removing the mast - cables
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Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 320
Forum Description: 320 Hints and Tips
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4422
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Topic: Removing the mast - cables
Posted By: MisterM
Subject: Removing the mast - cables
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 08:08
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Almost the end of the season, I will store my boat with the yard on shore and will have the mast removed, to avoid high strains on the hull and potential damage due to storms. Does anone know where the electrical cables, that go into the mast through the "swan's neck", should be disconnected, before the mast is put off?Are there any other items or things to take into account when removing or storing the mast?
Kind regards, Machiel.
H320#410 Van Bree
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Replies:
Posted By: shaukaas
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 09:28
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All the cables for the mast is connected above one of the two small ceiling plates above the table/around the mast foot inside the boat. Take notes of the turnbuckles, maybe some pictures of these too. There are many small bits and pieces here and there; keep track of these - and keep them safe in small plastic bags or similar. If the mast is to be store outside; be sure to remove them expensive bits and pieces: VHF-antenna, wind instrument etc. In the past; we've experienced missing equipment from the rigs being stored outdoors during the winter season. I've got approximately 2000US$ worth of equipment up there; which I do not feel comfortable sharing to them thieves "fishing" on the pier...  Taken into account that the construction of the mast and rigging is design to be standing on a boat, with tension, I do not necessarily share your concern about keeping the rig on the boat during the winter. The only concern, from my point of view, is winter storms/strong winds. But with a good quality cradle, some extra supports - and if possible a location at the marina where it's less windy - this is normally not a problem. For my own sake; I will take of the mast too this winter - last year I kept the mast on the boat while it was stored onshore. This worked out OK, but the mobile crane struggled to avoid damages to the rigging. As the boat is quite heavy in the aft-end - it's not easy to hoist with a mobile crane as we use in our marina - with a "single point hook" connected to two "belts." The mast is to be stored outdoors on several supports; and the spreaders removed. Will rebuild to a dyneema type of back-stay until next season.  ------------- S/Y Nadun - Hanse 320#171 LG3600 - NOR13510 |
Posted By: MisterM
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 09:42
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Hi Shaukaas,
Thank you for your extensive reply and advice!
Is the ceiling plate to be removed by pulling it, or are there screws behind the small cover plates?
What triggered me to have the mast removed are the following points:
1) Also in water, the mast and stays on my boat tend to vibrate at strong winds; this force is transfered to the hull. When the boat would be in a cradle on shore, these vibrations will be absorbed by the hull on the small support areas of the cradle. In my view this can cause damage.
2) With a severe storm, the boat can be even swept out of its cradle
3) Insurance companies will most likely demand the removal of the mast in the near future, I have been told
4) I think the stays will need to be replaced sooner if they will be tensioned (and vibrate) all-year long. But this is only my gut feeling, not based on facts.
5) Covering the boat with winter storage sheets/sails is much easier without the mast (at least I think that now...).
Best regards, Machiel.
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Posted By: kirkelund
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 20:01
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Hi MisterM / Machiel I think it is absolutely a wise decision to unstep your mast when taking the boat on shore. As mentioned by Shaukaas, the cables run down under the ceiling right beside the mast post. I found a picture of how it looks on my 342.  As you can see, it is a real mess and I must admit that I had professional help the first time (2009, the year I bought my boat). However if you draw a map and take some pictures you should be able to reconnect the whole thing again  (I have a Simrad radar, Simrad wind instrument/indicator and a digital TV antenna mounted on the mast)By the way, in Denmark (where I live) it is standard procedure to unstep the mast every year. Ole Kirkelund "Amani" Ishøj, Denmark |
Posted By: Windsurfer
Date Posted: 29 September 2010 at 20:22
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Stian...it's really a matter of conditions in the marina....in our marina here in Novorossiysk absolutely everyone DOES remove the mast for winter storage...otherwise it's a 90% probability the mast will be down, the shrouds or turnbuckles torn to pieces as the winds sometimes exceed 80+ knots...there's no hangars and the marina isn't enclosed... add some ice buidup in colder temps and you end up without your rig... So MisterM I suppose it's a wise idea to put it down...just make sure you pack everything thoroughly...also do not remove any halyards or wiring...if you think they can be stollen...replace them with a cheap rope...otherwise it's a pain in the @$$ to slide 'em back inside...and do not lose parts ------------- Hanse 320 #079 White hull, tiller, short keel and rudder, standard North sails, Sparcraft rig |
Posted By: White Lines
Date Posted: 17 December 2013 at 13:59
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Sorry to Bump this from such a long time back. I am taking my mast down for the first time this winter and found the above photo very informative. This year I have had a problem with my instruments and my radio (which needs replacing) and have searched in vain for the cables. How do the cables get to the back of the instruments themselves in the cockpit. I would like to test the cables with a meter before re-stepping the mast in the Spring. I believe that my wind diection gauge is either faulty or the mast head unit is faulty or the cable between is broken down. Any advice or photographs gratefully received. ------------- Hanse 320 #154 GBR7888L |
Posted By: samuel
Date Posted: 17 December 2013 at 20:55
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My wind instrument was faulty & I sent the control box for checking. passed Ok
I finally found the problem to be the plug on the masthead unit where it connected to the down wire.
The 2 halves had seperated inspite of taping with self amalgamating tape
Worth checking !! ------------- Daydream Believer- Hanse 311- No GBR9917T- Bradwell Essex |
Posted By: White Lines
Date Posted: 18 December 2013 at 08:04
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I will look at that when it comes down. Our stuff is Raymarine, the boat is 2008. If yours is similar then it could be a design/installation problem. ------------- Hanse 320 #154 GBR7888L |