Hinged mast step

[James]

Hey SC27 fleet,

I'm planning on converting Furthur's mast step to one with a hinge to make stepping/unstepping easier and was wondering what everyone with that setup is using?  I know Ballenger makes a hinged step, is that what everyone is using?  Any pictures would be great.

Cheers,
James

[Andy Schwenk]

Ballenger rocks and you could have one tomorrow. Go Buzz and Seahawks!

[James]

Ballenger's products rock but I don't like dealing with him in person...  Though I'll probably use his hinged mast step and mount it on top of my perforated mast plate for the halyard blocks.  I'm pulling the rig after 3BF to do a bunch of work on it and boat.

[John S]

You can get a hinged plate with punched flanges for attaching blocks to. Personally I've found Buzz very helpful in the past but you can get hinge plates (with punched flanges) from Svendsen's metal works, too.

I will also say that the mast on the sc27 is a bit on the heavy/awkward side for stepping and unstepping with a hinge plate. I have one, but am much happier with the A-frame rig I put together some years ago. It makes raising and lowering a 30 minute 2 person job with no tense moment.

[Warren Pelz]

Hey James,

I know Buzz isn't super quick to smile, but his hinge base does have the requisite flanges for halyard turning blocks. The base runs around $200. He makes a nice beefy base as you probably know.

Cheers,

W

[craig smith]

I've used Ballengers hinge plate for years.

It allows you to raise and lower the mast quickly without having to remove or loosen the shrouds.

Using an A frame or hoist the process is quick and simple with the hinge. 

Buzz is a great guy and has always provided good service and prices.

We'll be at SFYC for the 3BR if you want to see our setup.

Craig

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Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2013 21:27:01 -0800
Subject: Re: Hinged mast step
From: war...@warrenpelz.com
To: sc2...@googlegroups.com

[David Garman]

sc27nca  google group admin.
 
any chance that who ever is the admin for this group can remove my work email.  much appreciated
 
please remove:  david.m...@boeing.com
 

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From: craigsm...@msn.com
To: sc2...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: Hinged mast step
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2013 06:40:40 -0800