FreedomYachts.org

This is my first season to step the mast on my new Freedom 38. Any tips for picking up a tapered mast? I'm not sure the crane operator will be familiar with a freestanding mast.

Thanks!

Hello.

I have now done it a few times on my F36.

The main difference is that the crane team is used to putting the lifting loop around the mast just under spreaders - as a guideline. Clearly you don't have spreaders so they need to do it differently.

On the Freedom they will need to put the lifting loop at a point about 2/3 up the mast (after you do it once you should mark the spot on the mast for a future time). The loop is pulled up the mast just like any boat -- and you need a tiedown line that holds the loop from sliding up (this is not the normal pull down line to recover the loop which is often thin)...this should be strong line you tie around the loop and that you secure around the gooseneck.

This keeps the loop from moving (since no spreaders)...

Other then that, they should appreciate it as easier since all the "stuff/wires" are not there.

Key thing is to make sure the TIEDOWN line is SECURE -- or the loop can slip up the mast.

Good luck

From the F36 owner's manual:

Great Picture, much better then my "words"..I will be printing this and saving it in my document set.

Any chance you have a picture of the metal Freedom sign screwed in under the companion way stairs ? My is missing and I want to have a new one made.

Regards, Michael

You don't have a copy of the F36/38 owner's manual?? Definitely get that, it's got some good Freedom-specific info, including instructions for hoisting and installing the spar (p. 23, 24). It should be somewhere on here, but if not I can post my copy.

Here are a couple of pictures of the ABS plaque that were taken when my boat was surveyed:

EDIT: just posted my version of the manual here.

The yard that hauls Nova Vita for me has done this a number of years, here's where they position the sling.

Not sure this is the recommended location for the sling but they’ve been doing it for six years and haven’t dropped it yet!