Mast crutch

[Whistlingdixie]

Hi guys,

I was out working on the my boat today and came up with an idea. I have never really been happy with my mast crutch. Has anyone ever just added on to the their trailer guide posts and used it as a mast crutch? I am talking about just adding a piece across the top that connects the two post and the mast would rest on that.

Seems to simple to be a good idea. Tell me why this is a bad idea.

[Mas]

Do remember a crutch can be useful while actually on the boat. Placing one a trailer just will make trailering easier but leaves no benefit once boat is in the water. Everyone's priorities are different however.

[Whistlingdixie]

Good point. I have a mk1 and I have not added the boom gallow yet. I think that is the right name for it.

[Blown Away]

This works well. Easy to build, easy on and off and it stows in the boat while on the water.

[Blown Away]

Small crutch at step plate

[moc4]

This works well. Easy to build, easy on and off and it stows in the boat while on the water.

This looks nice and very sturdy!  How did you build it?

[Blown Away]

It's a square mahogany post mounted to the tiller with aluminum plates that acts as a male fitting to mate with a piece of 2x2 inch square aluminum tubing that serves as the crutch. A removable pin runs through the bottom to prevent it from bouncing out on the road and the top is fitted with a v type bow stop for a trailer that holds the mast in place with a rubber bungee. The crutch at the step plate is a shorter version of the back with spacers instead of a post to fit the step plate using the same mast bolt. The bottom of the mast is secured to the bow pulpit with a pad and a velcro strap. I forgot to mention that the tiller is secured from the stern cleats to hold it in place.