Need ideas for simple mast crutch

[capnjohn]

Okay, I don't want to reinvent the wheel here, but what I need is a crutch that can be installed and removed quickly, preferably without having to remove the rudder.  I have heard of people using 2x4s but I can't figure out how to secure them enough to keep from sliding forward.  Any ideas or pictures would be most helpful.  

John

[dgholmes]

I saw this one on the internet a while back and posted it in the gallery.  I used a childs crutch.  I have a picture and will post it later.

http://www.com-pacowners.com/4images/details.php?image_id=351

[capnjohn]

I like that- especially because rudder removal isn't required, but from the pic I can't tell how it is attached.  Are holes drilled in the rudder mount?

[dgholmes]

I think those are inverted rubber coated hooks like you would use on your garage wall to hold stuff.  They are screwed onto the board and then the hooks fit though the openings of the rudder and slip down to grip on the rudder itself.  Just slide the crutch up to remove it from the rudder.

[capnjohn]

Pretty slick.  I might give that a try.  Thanks again.

[multimedia_smith]

http://www.com-pacowners.com/4images/details.php?image_id=341

As the pic illustrates, the mast foot goes under the stainless strap anchor guide on the bowsprit, the center has a tabernacle pad, and the head rests between a simple "X" made of wood.  
The ends of the wooden X rest on the rear cleats and are attached to them with velcro and line.  The support for the crutch comes from a loop of line that goes under the rudder bolt and then the ends go to the cam cleats on the genoa track... extremely strong, light, and quick.

[Rick Evans]

I posted a topic called Rigging tips.  Pull it up and you'll see one idea I used for a very simple mast crutch system.  It works beautifully.  The forward crutch is mounted permanently to the trailer and cradles the mast at that end of the boat.   The aft crutch is mounted to the rudder by a simple system in which the cradle slips in and out of a sleeve which is permanently mounted to the rudder.  While underway, I put in a teak flagpole in the sleeve which holds the US flag.