Sectorsteve said..
What would be the best way to remove my mast for painting and how do i get the rigging back to where it was ?
Deck or keel stepped? Keel stepped will need to be lifted higher, but are more stable with all the rigging disconnected.
Either way, the best way is to use a crane; slacken off all the rigging screws, wiring etc beforehand, get the crane operator to put a sling around the mast below the spreaders, take the weight, undo the final connections, and hoist.
Many yacht clubs have cranes of about the right size which are used for launching Etchells, J24's etc etc and who might for a fee do the lift for you.
However if the budget doesn't run to a crane there are plenty of other solutions such as sheerlegs. Look on the Aus J24 site for their method of raising and lowering masts without any external assistance using legs, for instance.
I've also pulled masts out by sandwiching the vessel between two others and using the combined main halyards to do the lifting.
Or, you could get creative and utilise existing fixed structures and your own tackle attached. If you're in Sydney Harbour, you could look around Berrys Bay for an old ferry under refurbishment which has a derrick arm at about the right height; they might be able to accommodate your request if you asked nicely.
In all cases - make sure you have a plan as to where to put the mast once it is out!
Re getting it back together; just take lots of photos before you pull it apart, and mark everything with tape before you remove it, including the rigging screw thread settings.
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