Chrysler Sailors Forum

Hello all!

Just found this forum and have enjoyed browsing and reading the many posts. We have a 1979 C26 (fixed keel). Is moored year round on Millerton Lake in the Fresno, CA area.

Due to health problems, I wasn't able to get to the boat at all the last 12 months. We went Sunday and were able to sail after a couple of hours of cleaning and minor repairs. The solar panel had kept our battery fully charged and the motor started right up and ran strong. Amazing since it is the 30 year old OEM Chrysler outboard.

The only problem I wasn't able to correct was the spreader lights. The boat has a spreader mounted deck light on each spreader. They are each connected with two sheet metal screws. One was completely off and dangling by it's wires, and the other is held on with one screw.

At this point, all I need is to replace/tighten/locktite the mounting screws. Also, the Windex arrow at the masthead is stuck, which I could live with.

So...am I better off hoisting a ~100 pound kid up the halyard (just to the spreaders) or dropping the mast? I have never dropped this mast as it has been in the marina since I bought it ~7 years ago. Reading the manual and having searched this forum, it looks rather daunting to lower this thing. I'm in my 50's and have not recovered all my strength yet.

To just lower it enough to repair the spreader lights, would it be enough to have a couple of friends lower it using the main and jib halyard with me at the mast? How much above the rear pulpit should the mast be braced to not hit the cabin top, if we lower it that far? There is a house boat across the dock from me, so if I turn the boat around, I figure the mast may only have to go ~half way down and I can remount the lights from the houseboat.

I had a Balboa/Laguna 24 for many years and frequently trailered it. Two of us could just muscle that mast down with little trouble. But this one seems much bigger and I'm a bit older and weaker.

Anyway, lots of questions from a new guy. Thanks in advance for any/all help.

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

hee hee! I was first!!

About your questions on the mast.Stepping the mast really is not so bad. However you MUST consider your own heath and capabilities! Absolutely do NOT risk yourself for a silly piece of aluminum!

Now just speculating here . . .
I bet you have many marinas in California and several are probably very capable of stepping your mast for you. Maybe that is a thought?? pay a guy with a crane ??

If you are indeed still intersted stepping the mast yourself, USE YOUR HEAD! It is all leverage and can be done single handedly. Check my link on stepping the mast at the bottom of this post here. It will give you an idea of how to do it alone. Now I've never stepped the mast on a 26 but I understand the mast on the 26 is very similar to the mast on the 22. I'm sure one of the 26 guys will chime in and offer some ideas.

However you choose, WELCOME to the forum and let the questions fly!
If we don't know the answers we'll mak 'em up!! LOL!

Scott

be careful! the spreaders are really not that far off the deck. consider sailing near a high bulkhead or bridge, or renting a large panel truck and parking next to your boat ( if on the hard) and using it's roof for a working platform, call sign companies and ask then what the use of a guy and their bucket truck might cost. Have a guy in the yard drop it for you.... it should be easy, doable, but I never did it and have always paid dearly for this simple activity, but no more.... next season I am doing it!

an extension ladder ( very properly secured ) could reach the spreaders from the deck but be very careful!

Welcome (again) !

The mast is not that hard to step, but I personally would not want to un-rig and re-rig to fix the lights.


I've done the extension ladder thing before to retrieve a lost up the mast shackle - as long as you have fairly flat water and go slow its not hard.

On the C26 you can rest/block the ladder feet against the back of the forehatch, then tie a halyard to the top rung of the ladder. Once the ladder is up to the right height pull the halyard tight and cleat it. That combined with the feet blocked by the hatch should keep the ladder from falling.

If you're not in a position to go up, send the kid up. Tie the line you were going to hoist him with as a safety line if needed.

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

Had not thought about an extension ladder. That may be just the ticket. Most mornings there are dead calm. Great idea about connecting a halyard or two to the top of the ladder.

Millerton Lake Marina is pretty basic. No haul out services, no cranes. About the only service they offer is the sale of gas. Have had a sail boat there for over 20 years (the Balboa, then a Lancer 28, and now the C26). At least we do now have nice new docks with security access.

Millerton is a great sailing lake. Dependable strong wind most every summer afternoon. And it's usable all year. Best part is it's less than 30 minutes from home or office.

Taught myself to sail ~25 years ago. Had never even been on a sailboat when I got the itch and bought a 16' trailer sailor. Was an AMF Sunbird. The first time out was crazy. I survived. The boat survived. And I fell in love with sailing. Had much fun with that little boat.

Moved up to the Balboa 24 a few years later and kept it at the marina rigged and ready. Bought a new trailer for it and did several trips to San Diego, Long Beach, Catalina Island and coastal sailing too. Yup, I've got stories. I did love that boat.

Divorce and remarriage required (threatening memories ) me to sell it and the new wife and I bought the Lancer 28. Same marina. Enjoyed it, but it sailed like a bus. And unless you were standing in the 'ditch' (Lancer owners know what I mean) there was little headroom.

Found this C26 a few years back. Had been completely rehabbed. Also came with a new custom trailer, which is rare. Still has the original sails and engine, but looks and sails nice. Needs a good detailing right now after a year of disuse. I love this boat and am anxious to get back into it as I get stronger.