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Louis Goddard
Jul 19, 2012 - 10:42AM
Mast lowering
Hello,
I am planning a trip through the french canals and wondered if any of you lovely people had any plans for a mast lowering rig?
The trip would involve a crew of two so any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Louis
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Dogboat
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John Lansdell
Jul 19, 2012 - 9:03PM
Re: Mast lowering
We crewed for Peter French a couple of times when we lowered the mast.
Once was up the Seine at Rouen before we went on to Paris. This was done by a specialist outfit who would either store them for you, put them on crutches on board, or send them on, usually to the South of France. Excellent outfit.
The other time was onshore at Hamble Point marina. Peter had made a pair of struts from scaffold poles. The lower ends were hinged, and resting on, the attachment point for the after mainmast shrouds. The forestay was attached to the upper side of the crutch point, and a four part block and tackle below it. We needed people either side to stop any swaying. We both took both masts down and raised them. It was not an experience I should care to repeat.
I am travelling at the moment but will phone you when i get home if you would like to discuss it further.
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Twotails
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Louis Goddard
Jul 25, 2012 - 9:58AM
Re: Mast lowering
Hello John,
Thank you for the information. Do you have the contact information for the outfit? Sounds like this is probably our best option. The overhang when you lower mast doesn't look appealing.
Kind regards,
Louis
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steve Herwin
Jul 26, 2012 - 9:53PM
Re: Mast lowering
Pielago made her way up the south coast 2 years ago en-route to the French canals, we crossed Dover to Dunkirk and had the masts taken down at the Yacht Club du Mer Nord; the best 75 euros, (cash!), I have ever spent. No fuss and no risk of damage. If you have ever tried to lift a Seadog main mast with just two people you will know why a crane is the only sensible option!
You will have a wonderful time in the canals, we have had a wonderful time with absolutely none of the nonsense you may hear about regarding lockkeepers and barge skippers.
Contact me re any help I can give.
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Pielago
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Louis Goddard
Aug 15, 2012 - 8:42AM
Re: Mast lowering
Hello Steve,
Sorry for the late reply, have been sailing around the south coast for the last few weeks.
Thank you for the info, that sounds like a brilliant solution. Very cheap!
All the best
Louis
Dogboat 78
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Michael Grew
Aug 25, 2012 - 9:40AM
Re: Mast lowering
Hi
My wife and I also spent two consecutive years (2010-2011) on the french canals and loved it. We took our masts down at Rouen using the services of the boat yard in Basin du Gervaise. They were very helpful patient and competent. The cost was very reasonable and like Steve says, worth every Euro. We carried our masts on board using two purpose built "T" frames that slotted into the Tabernacles. Together with the two booms the whole lot were lashed down using ratchet straps attached to the shroud plates. They remained in place for the two years without any problems at all. If you would like to borrow my "T" frames you are very welcome to use them. I live in Farnham, Surrey and my boat is berthed in Southsea marina.
My phone number is 07885 737295.
Michael Grew
Seascape
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Seascape
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Louis Goddard
Sep 4, 2012 - 10:55AM
Re: Mast lowering
Hi Mike,
Thank you very much for your kind offer. The trip has been slightly delayed until early 2014 but the plan is probably not to return to the UK until 3 years + later as we hope to see most of the Med. So borrowing your T frames may be a little cheeky. However I would be very interested to see any photos you have so I can make up a copy. My email is dogboat@me.com
Kind regards,
Louis Goddard
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SAI NILGRI
Sep 18, 2012 - 6:07PM
Re: Mast lowering
Hello, all the lovely people on this forum and association. I happened to read this thread regarding the mast lowering system. With due respect to all who have contribute to the matter, I wish to ask a couple of questions to the well experienced folk who have actually done the French Canals.
I thought that the whole idea of Reg. Freeman buliding the masts in tabernacles was to use them in the French canals. Why is it that people have not used the A Frame or the T Bar systems to raise and lower the masts? Is it because the mast would protrude far out at the stern of the boat and cause a hazard or that they would not fit into the lock? Please give me your opinions on this matter, they will be very much appreciated.
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Crew and Serious Enthusiast
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SAI NILGIRI
Sep 18, 2012 - 7:35PM
Re: Mast lowering
Sorry, what I meant when I mentioned T bar with regard to the mast lowering system, I actually meant a Gin pole - i think this is a term used by the Americans. But you know what I mean.
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Crew and Serious Enthusiast
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David
Sep 22, 2012 - 11:10AM
Re: Mast lowering
Not done the French Canals on my Seadog (it's on the list!), nor have I dropped my masts using the tabernacles (also on the list!) - but used to spend a lot of time in the French Canals, and that including on a boat of approx the same size that had a tabernacle and where the mast (albeit only one!) did overhang the boat (at both ends!).
The reason for using a crane is simply because it is easier (have done both!). Overhanging the mast is not really an issue - but in the locks you do have to remember that it does!, but no more than having a bowsprit.
Depending on where you are going (and if returning the same way) often easier to simply leave the mast ashore (even when the mast is upon A frames it is a bit of a PITA).
Whether used or not, having the option of a DIY mast drop is nice to have. There are a couple of pics in the Gallery of a Dutch Seadog that drops the masts regularly to get "home" - looks very impressively done!
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Wayluya
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Louis Goddard
Sep 25, 2012 - 2:23PM
Re: Mast lowering
I have speaking to a very helpful Mr Nick Strong from www.french-waterways.com and just thought I would give him a mention if anyone is planning on using the canals. Very good site.
SeaDog Name (if owner or crew) Dogboat
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