Tartan 3400, Owner'S Manual, Page: 54 / 75

master OM Tartan 3400 2012.doc
Page 54 of 69
toward the yacht while keeping the foot pointed toward the base of the crane. This will keep the spar
from swinging into the crane.
DO NOT PLACE HANDS, ARMS OR FEET DIRECTLY BELOW THE SPAR AS IT IS
LOWERED INTO THE YACHT.
When the crane is in position, move the foot of the spar over to the second person who should now be
aboard the yacht. Carefully pass the spar to the person aboard. Slowly raise the spar to an almost vertical
position and guide the foot through the mast collar. Pad the mast collar with cloth to ensure that the paint
on the mast is not damaged as the mast is lowered through the collar. Be careful not to let the masthead
swing and hit the crane arm. When lowering the mast through the collar, all mast electrical wiring should
precede the entry of the mast. Check aloft that the mast and crane are not fouling. With the foot of the
mast through the collar, untie the bundle of standing rigging and clear each piece away from the crane
lifting cable.
e) Lower the mast through the collar, being careful not to scratch the mast as it passes through the collar
opening. A piece of carpet placed between the sides of the mast and the collar will reduce the likelihood
of scratching as the mast is lowered to the step. With the weight of the spar on the step, attach the
forestay, backstay and both port and starboard upper shrouds. When stepping the mast for the first time,
follow the instructions in the SparTite kit included with your new yacht.
WOOD CHOCKS ARE NOT AN ACCEPTABLE METHOD OF CHOCKING THE MAST AT
THE PARTNERS. USE ONLY SPARTITE TO CHOCK YOUR CARBON FIBER MAST AS
WOOD OR OTHER CHOCKS CAN POINT LOAD AND DAMAGE THE MAST.
Lower the crane cable sufficiently to allow the sling to be lowered and released, taking care that the sling
and hook does not damage the steaming light on the forward side of the mast. It may be necessary to
retrieve the sling by sending a person aloft in a bosun’s chair. Connect the lower shrouds and snug up all
turnbuckles by hand. Replace all cotter pins into the clevis pins. To prevent damage to sails, insert all
clevis pins with the heads forward or outboard, and tape over the bent cotter pins. Release the bundle of
running rigging and lead each line fairly to the appropriate blocks, stoppers and winches. Connect the
mast electrical wires and test each circuit. Attach the mast collar tie-down straps to the mast below deck,
make hand tight.
f) To un-step the spar, reverse the above procedure. Before removing the spar for winter storage, make a
diagram of the location of the running rigging and the connections of the electrical wiring to serve as a
guide when re-stepping the mast. Mark the turnbuckle screws with black electrical tape to facilitate
returning to the same position on re-stepping. Do not use masking or filament tape on the spar as it may
harm the surface finish. Do not expose a spar wrapped in plastic to direct sunlight. When storing the spar
for the off season, do not allow water to be trapped against the painted finish. Trapped water will fog and
blister the paint.