Mast Support for Winter Storage (Nov 2005)

We did not neglect to make improvements in the winter storage systems. This support, for the aft end of the mast, is light weight, easy to install and does not take up any space in the cockpit. See left hand photo, below. It does not require the use of any tool for installation or removal. The attachments to the stern rail consist of four hand rail clamps. The right hand photo is a close up of one of the clamps.

These are called SeaStow rail clamps and are available from Amazon and Defender. There are four clamps. Two on the upper rail beam. Two on the lower beam. The upper rail attachment beam is attached to the support with bolts, washers and wing nuts. There is play in the bolt holes to accommodate misalignment. The bolt end threads are distorted to prevent the wing nuts from being removed.

Lesson Learned

We always attempt to design things so that there are no loose parts involved and do not require the use of tools for assembly or removal. This item is a good example of that philosophy. Pieces and tools all have a habit of allying in the water!