Yesterday we helped our neighbor, Dave, with a small project. He wanted to un-step his mast, so his boat could be hauled out. He was quoted $300 an hour by the marina to use their crane, but I convinced Dave that we could do it at the dock.

Dave had engineered a system that was intended to allow his mast to be removed using a tabernacle. It allowed the mast to pivot forwards and backwards. We had everything we needed!

Dave was initially hesitant, a previous attempt had not gone so well, but with some careful planning, I was sure we could do it safely.

I got to the boat and Dave had already done most of the prep work. There were 2 sta-set lines run from side winches to control the mast's side to side position, and a sta-set halyard running from the mizzen mast to control the lowering of the mast. We jacked up the mast to un-seat it from the mast step using a system designed by Dave. Then we cleared the mast wires, and proceeded to lower it down. We had it down in 20 minutes!

It was a great display of teamwork. All told, the following hands made it happen. Dave, Brian, Dominic, Stuart, Charlie, Laurie, Sharon and myself. Of course Luke was the official photographer of the event.