Horizon Day Car Mast Tender PLUS... First Use

[Boat-in]

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.

[alsantini]

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

[Boat-in]

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

[alsantini]

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

[Boat-in]

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.

[alsantini]

Good point.  Thanks,  AL

[Vectordirector]

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
 

[Boat-in]

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.