Sailboat Magazinevideo
The Big Day | Stepping The Masts Ep 5
March 14, 2025 · 23 min · 365 views · La Paz
What this video covers
Stepping the main and mizzenmasts on a sailboat requires precise crane operation, strategic strap placement for balance, and a coordinated ground crew. In La Paz, Mexico, the crew of the *Bella Sarah* utilized a mobile crane operated by Don Nicho to lift both masts while moored at a barge.Watch The team navigated a rock-strewn approach at high slack tide to reach the crane.2:38 During the mainmast lift, the crew struggled to clear the bow pulpit and stanchions, requiring a re-adjustment of the lifting strap to achieve the correct orientation.4:15 Securing the mast base into the tabernacle proved difficult, requiring a timber lever and a 2x4 to align the pin holes.11:10 The mizzenmast installation involved identifying the correct chain plates among three options, which were not clearly marked in technical diagrams.18:11 The total cost for the crane service was 15,000 pesos.20:41 Marking turnbuckle threads with tape before unstepping the mast simplified the initial rig tuning.18:55
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