Mast
14.
6
Grand Soleil 43'
- Check periodically that there is no water infiltration through
the mast boot at deck level.
- Check the padding of the spreader tips is in order to prevent sail
chafing and tears.
- Rinse the turnbuckles and halyard leads, blocks and stoppers
frequently with fresh water.
- Avoid covering the turnbuckles with plastic piping or adhesive
tape since they prevent evaporation and increase salt buildup.
Recommendations for the stepping and unstepping of the
mast.
These operations should be carried out only by specialized
technicians. The following guidelines are intended as a memo-
randum for them.
The stepping and unstepping of the GS 43'’s mast is a delicate
operation. Great care and attention must be taken to avoid injury to
people and damage to the yacht and rigging. Never stand or walk
under the suspended mast or the radius of the crane. These operations
must be carried out in absence of waves and wind in a protected area
using suitable equipment.
Follow these guidelines for the unstepping of the mast:
• Remove the sails
• Disconnect the vang and the boom from the mast joint and
carefully place them on deck.
• Check that the passage of the mast is unobstructed by wires or
pipes. Disconnect all electrical wires and electronic cables at the
junction boxes taking care of labelling them clearly to later
facilitate the reconnection.
• All pipes and electrical cables must be positioned and held into
place to avoid pinching and damaging during the lifting of the
mast through the deck.
• Make sure that the lifting sling is in good condition, appropriate
for this operation and solidly attached.
- It should be placed above the mast’s centre of gravity so that the
mast will naturally be hanging in a vertical position.
- Normally the sling should be placed just under the upper
spreaders.
• Tie two lines at the lower spreaders ends: they will work as
“bridles” to guide the mast through the operation.
• At this point, after slightly loading the lifting sling, the shrouds
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Mast maintenance …
