Dwyer mast hinge

[cal27sailor]

I am getting ready to order the mast plate from Dwyer to help facilitate running all of my lines to the cockpit and minimize drilling holes in my deck.  Is there an advantage to also adding the mast hinge they offer at the same time?  I have had a Catalina 22 with a hinged mast plate and it did make things easier when stepping the mast.  Thoughts?

[peterg]

A sturdy (read STURDY) mast hinge is a no brainer safety addition over the somewhat flimsy original fitment. From experience, I would recommend the Ballenger hinge over the other offerings, but it might be slight overkill on a 19. Whichever you use, careful alignment and sturdy full backing plate are required. On my 23, the Ballenger hinge was so sturdy, I really did not require side stays to steady the mast, but once again, alignment and backing are paramount.  I once had a Nordic Folkboat with a cast aluminum hinge assembly that was so massive, I could walk the mast up my (much younger) self without benefit of any side stays.

[cal27sailor]

Peterg- I was reading about the Ballenger hinged mast step plates on their website.  They noted sometimes using a plug in the bottom of the mast for attachment to the plate.  This would make sense to me as it would be much stronger than the existing tabernacle.  Is this how you make the attachment on your 23?  I would rather have it overbuilt versus something that remains flimsy.  I like the idea of minimizing the side sway as she comes up.

Tony

[peterg]

Hi Tony- if you go with the Ballenger hinge, you will have to order what is called a "mast step" from Dwyer. This fits in the base of the mast and should be secured to the mast base  with four 1/4-20 machine bolts. Drilling and tapping is required. The mast step itself has to be attached to the top half of the hinge with 1/4-20 flat head machine bolts. Once again, accurate alignment, drilling and tapping, and countersinking are involved. None of the pieces I used were pre-drilled, though I noticed on the Ballenger site that the hinges looked pre-drilled....maybe they decided to add that feature- I'd call them. The base that I used on my C23 was the Ballenger HMB- M30, though the lighter HMB e27 would be adequate for the lighter C19. The mast step from Dwyer was the DH2121, if I recall correctly. I think that the mast profile on the 23 was 2 3/4 X 4 1/2, which would determine the correct mast step. I am not sure if the 19 and 23 share the same profile, so measure your mast and order accordingly.  The Dwyer hinged step is definitely a lighter weight piece, though it appears to be assembled with the mast step attached to the hinge.  This is a good thing if you are uncomfortable with precise layout and drilling, tapping, and countersinking. It is also considerably less expensive, and from my way of thinking, more suitable for smaller daysailers.

[cal27sailor]

Peterg- Thanks for the information.  I spoke with both Ballenger, Dwyer and Com-Pac earlier today and came to the same conclusion.  It haven't measured by mast yet but Dwyer things it is slightly smaller than the mast from the 23.  Either way they have the step available.  I prefer the deck plate hinge from Ballenger just by looking at the photos online.  It is obviously much more heavy duty than the Dwyer hinge.  I might not need it but I like the peace of mind.  I appreciate all of the guidance on this.  Hoping to order the parts next week and start getting ready for spring sailing.  My new Uni-foil rudder arrived today.  Lots of new toys to install!

[MacGyver]

Do me a huge favor and post part numbers to what you get and pictures, and worst case email me, ill gladly post em if you get it.

I am in need of a easier way to trailer sail the boat now that we dont have a dock anymore. I have a lot of gear on the boat so a easier way to make things go a little faster to sail her is warranted. If I can cut the get on the water time down, excellent.

Following eagerly.

Mac

[kickingbug1]

   jason, glad to hear that you are still gonna sail. trailer sailing isn't bad as long as you plan your moves while rigging. think of ways consolidate your actions. this will keep your steps to a minimum and save time. get everything done outside the boat before you climb inside to rig it. if you have a tongue extention its installation should take place just before launching. before i step the mast on my catalina i have everything i need on the foredeck including jibsheets, rigging line and tools to adjust the forestay turnbuckle. the tools are kept in a small container mounted on the pulpet mast trailering crutch. the rigging line is attached to the old jib halyard (unused since i have a furler). this line is lead under the bow cleat and back to a winch on the cabin top. once i step the mast (i just walk mine up) i tighten the rigging line which keeps the mast upright while i go forward to attach the forestay and adjust the turnbuckle. that done the rigging line is unhooked from the jib halyard and affixed to the pulpit. the furling line is then lead to the cockpit and the jib sheets attached and lead aft. this completes all work on the foredeck. unlike many i keep my main rolled in a bag sarah made. at this point i attach the mainhalyard and raise the main and cleat if off. i then attach the boom to the foot  and then to the mast. the boom is then clipped to the pigtail on the backstay and my lazyjacks ,topping lift mainsheet and boomvang are clipped on. the sail is then lowered and flacked on the boom. i am now done in the cockpit. i climb down and install the rudder and outboard attach my fenders and get my dockline ready. all i have to do is install the tongue extension and i am ready to launch. i have the whole process down to about 30 minutes. the single most important thing that makes is the easy up mast crutch. it makes stepping the 60 lb mast pretty easy even for a 65 year old guy like me.

[cal27sailor]

Mac- Will do.  I ordered the step from Dwyer Marine on Friday based on the inside dimensions and shape of the mast.  They have the information on a large number of boat models and are a big help in matching your mast to the correct step.  I am going to use a hinged plate from Ballenger as they seem to be much heavier built than others I have found, hopefully less likely to allow any sideway when I thru-bolt it with strong backing plates.  I will forward photos and part numbers.

[MacGyver]

Cal27sailor,

I hope you got my email a bit ago
If not I can email you again

Thanks!
Mac

[cal27sailor]

I did get your email address.  I have been installing the new deck plate today.  Taking lots of photos.  Should be done tomorrow and will test it out.  I will send photos and part numbers as soon as I finish.