Bolger Jinni Mast Step questions

[stasisboy]

Hi. I have purchased the plans to Bolger's Jinni, a 15' cat yawl sharpie, and am studying them after reading some books with sections on how to understand boat plans, but there's (at least) one part that I'm having trouble interpreting.

It's the little thing you see in this view of the starboard side of the forward part of the boat that looks like a tiny cowl vent (B) to the starboard side of the mast (A).


There's a better view of it in the diagram that shows how the mast can tilt aftward:



... but I'd still appreciate comments from anyone who recognizes this kind of thing.

Here's a top view of the mast step, but I don't see the little cowl-shaped thing there:



Anyone have a hint for me?

Thanks!

[DCBrown]

Looks like the mast partner,the upper support for the mast. It is above the deck to allow the mast to lay down.

[Mad Scientist]

...and, when the mast is nearly in the upright position, that partner keeps the mast from trying to 'escape' over the bow. This helps if you are raising/lowering without a helper.

Tom

[Tom Robb]

...and it sort of functions like a tabernacle makeing it easier to step the mast since the butt end is contained and controlled like Tom (the other Tom) said.
Tom

[stasisboy]

Thanks, I think I get it! The little thing in the side view is really not just on the starboard side but is symmetrical on the port and starboard sides, so that viewed from the top it looks like the square hole shown in the top view.

Please let me know if I'm still missing something, but that seems right.

[Breakaway]

That's what I see. Its a cross piece; a mast step with a recess built-in for the stick to rest against as it comes to "vertical."

Kevin

[Bobcat]

That's what I see. Its a cross piece; a mast step with a recess built-in for the stick to rest against as it comes to "vertical."

Kevin

That's how I read the plans. Because the bow is open, you can slide the mast in almost horizontal and use the cross piece as a fulcrum. You then just swing the mast up and drop the heel into the step. It's a great system. Without it you have to get the mast vertical and then guide it down. On my Bobcat, it's not a problem because the mast is short, but on another boat I had it was a bear. You try to control a 27 foot mast by holding just the bottom few feet and it's scary

[earling2]

Bolger had the same mast partner on the Black Skimmer. 36 foot mast. I once dropped the mast in mid-mast raise (actually the boat, tied to a dock, started to slide forward in the water, and I was on the dock) and that whole mast ended up with the heel stuck in the partner and holding the whole horizontal weight of the mast!! nothing broke. I was chagrined.

Anyway, it's a good design.

[Darren67]

Hi stasisboy,
Check out Youtube, there are a couple Jinni's on there, one in CT and one in Finland. You can pause the videos and check out some of the details.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKbUBVQmang

Darren

[stasisboy]

Thanks, Darren!

[James McMullen]

Cat-yawls are awesome. Definitely one of the best of all open boat rigs. You might find this sailing guide useful.

[stasisboy]

Thanks, James McMullen. I must study those pages. I'm currently on step 3 of my boat building plan and plan to use those skills after the execution of step four.

1. Clean out the garage to make space.
2. Build a tool rack.
3. Build a work bench.
4. Build a boat.

Safety third!