Hi Wayne, There is an outfit in Eugene, Or. that sells telescoping mast crutches that fit on the rudder gudgeons. I have heard they are well made but are a bit pricey at $140. When I asked about one for my M15 they told me they did not have one small enough. Although they could not sell me the whole crutch they did sell me two adjustable pintles. They make the adjustable pintles by first cutting 2 inches off a piece of 1 1/2 inch steel tubing. Then they weld a pintle ( an L shaped piece of round steel) in the middle of one side . On the opposite side they drill a hole and weld on a nut that will accept a bolt that screws into the tubing. The final step is a white electrostatic coating. They sold me these for $25 plus shipping.
When they arrived I went to Home Depot and purchased one 3 foot section of 1 1/4 inch square steel tubing and one 3 foot section of 1 inch square tubing I made sure the smaller tubing fit in the larger tubing ( my telescoping effect) and that the adjustable pintles fit over the larger tube. Then off to the plumbing section for 1/4 inch galvanized pipe pieces to form a U or Y to fit inside the the smaller tube. PVC pipe might also work but I don't know how it would hold up. I slipped small PVC pieces over the U. I did cut down the two sections of 3 foot steel tubing to make the size of telescoping crutch I wanted. The adjustable pintles bolt on to the outside steel tubing wherever you want, to fit your gudgeons. . The name of the company is MAST UP. Their standard crutch extends from 5 ft 7 in to 9 ft 6 in.. As I mentioned that was larger than I wanted and would not fit im my carport. While I am not sure, I believe the only reason they sold me the adjustable pintles was because I could not use their crutch. The company also has a video for $10 that is refundable if you return the tape. Not only do I not have an interest in this company, I don't even know if it is still in business. I ordered my pintles about a year ago.Their phone number is 541-686-2666. As to the front. the bow pulpit is as good a place as any and a piece of hose or rope or PVC pipe will protect the finish. The best of luck in whatever you come up with. Don Olson M15 Phoenix, Az. _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
