Hi Team,
Got the first chance to use the Mast Tender PLUS system on our Horizon Day Cat. I was very, very impressed with how easy it was to raise the mast.
First try I used the Sailogy Electric winch handle. The mast easily raised. Good control with the variable speed Electric winch handle. . Electric winch handle did not strain a bit.
Second try was manual winching it up from resting on the boom gallows. I was surprised with the minimal to moderate level of effort required. Very achievable by a gent in his late 60s!
I will continue to use the electric winch handle for ease and control. However, nice to know it is doable with just a winch handle.
Both attempts were from the mast laying on the boom gallows...
Very impressed with the Mast Tender PLUS. The "plus" seems to make a big difference in ease of mast raising. Especially the first few feet.
I wonder if you could elaborate on the differences in the stock and the Plus? The plus must definitely make a difference. I cannot lift the mast off the boom gallows with the set-up on my 2021 Horizon. I push up the mast standing against the companionway and pull on the mast raising line. This puts just enough angle to the mast that I can winch it up the rest of the way. The plus must have additional leverage. I wonder if mine could be converted to a plus? Sail On AL
At the 4:30 point, in the below linked video, you can see how the Mast Tender Plus works on a Sunday Cat.
Only difference for our Horizon Day Cat is it has a four to one block/tackle. Note how, once the mast is raised, the system becomes the forestay. No going forward to remove gin pole, connect forestay, etc.
A few days ago, I had the chance to raise the mast again. the Mast Tender PLUS makes it is very easy and straight forward.
Suncat Demo of Mast Raising with mast Tender Plus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeqE8RLoyQ0)
I see! Quite a difference with the small J pole and especially the 4 to 1 purchase. My Horizon has a 2 to 1 purchase which makes it substantially harder. I think I am changing to a 4 to 1, which should only require a couple of pulleys. Thanks for the link. Great video which makes miss Com Pac all the more. Sail on AL
It would be hard for me to overstate how well the MastTendr Plus works on our HDC. However, as good as it works, I wonder if there was some issue (that I may find later) with the use of it on an HDC. That is the only reason I can think of for CpomPac not making it a standard feature on HDCs.
Good point. Thanks, AL
HI all,
The file that I have attached shows the price sheet for the Horizon Cat from Gulf Island Sails, the local now defunct Com-Pac dealer. It lists the upgraded Mastender Plus option available for the regular cockpit boat for $532. That file is from 2021.
I would think it could be upgraded but without factory support you need to really see how it is done on Day Cat.
Good Luck,
Bryan
Thanks Bryan!
Fascinating looking at the price list. One thing that struck me is how reasonable ComPac's prices were.
Over 4 decades, Having owned 3 of thier boats, they have been a big part of our lives.