I’ve searched the web for an easy to make compact DIY mast raising and lowering system for my Kells 23 sailboat. Most systems fell into 2 categories: Gin pole and A-Frame. Neither of these were too appealing to me as they were bulky and seemed to be fairly prone to failure should you accidentally let it go. After 6 months of looking at hundreds of videos and tutorials, I stumbled upon one that used a mast attached winch to provide for a simple one person solution. That designed seemed perfect so I decided to roll with it. Here is my version of it, which does not require the boat to be on a trailer.
I used 2 pieces of 2×4 and a basic winch, which attached to the 2-4s with 2 lag screws. This provided for a solid base to attach to the mast. I then used 2 pieces of square dowel rods on each side of the 2×4 to provide a bit of a mast curvature support (I don’t really think they are necessary though).
The whole thing attached to the mast using spare lines wrapped around the whole thing several times. I put it up about eye level. The other side of the cable attached throw the bow pulpit onto the cleat. I used lines on each side of the pulpit to keep everything centered. My original design meant to use the main line to keep the whole thing from sliding down (hence the eye hooks) but after attaching it to the mast it was not moving at all so I skipped that part.
See pictures and video below for details.
