Putting pennant back in mast

Sailingdream · **Joined:** 17 Apr 2023 08:25 **Posts:** 11

Hi, I was trying to fix an issue with the centerboard and in the process the thin rope and pennant attachment separated. I tried to get it through probably 50 times before this happen, but it would stop at the same spot every time. Any advice on how to get a fish tape or anything else from the mast to the centerboard? I have a different setup, since my mast is in mast sail system.

puffcard · **Posted:** 27 Feb 2025 20:23

I guess you're on the hard, with centerboard out. If you don't have a messenger, it's really tough. You could try taking the hose in front off centerboard truck and see what you got. Then work either direction from there. The SS pipe goes a few feet up the mast.

cseltzjr · **Joined:** 16 May 2009 08:06 **Posts:** 254

If you can get to either end of the chase, try hooking a shop vac up to the opening. Float apiece of heavy thread with a cotton ball attached around the other end. If it comes through, just tie a proper sized messenger.

Sailingdream · **Joined:** 17 Apr 2023 08:25 **Posts:** 11

Im on the water not on the hard. I just bought wet and dry vacuum yesterday, but i assume you are talking about on the hard as well.

I do have fish tape

I could try to thread it through from the top and get it out with a magnet on a stick, but the opening is at the front part over the centerboard i assume.

I have tied the pennant to a aft cleat for now

Sailingdream · **Joined:** 17 Apr 2023 08:25 **Posts:** 11

Mast step on my boat. Doesn't seem like fish tape or much else can make the 90 degrees angle here. Seems like only solution is waiting until im on the hard and remove the hose clamps there. Or?

cseltzjr · **Joined:** 16 May 2009 08:06 **Posts:** 254

So if I understand, the deck end of the pennant is lost in the mast? If that is the case you should be trying to fish from the top. I would make a hook of sorts and drop it into the opening above the deck. If you can remove the sheve it will make it easier.

cseltzjr · **Joined:** 16 May 2009 08:06 **Posts:** 254

If the pennant is lost at the centerboard end, haul out is the only answer

Sailingdream · **Joined:** 17 Apr 2023 08:25 **Posts:** 11

Just to clarify. The pennant is now attached only to the centerboard and I have it run back to an aft cleat to keep it from slamming the forward section of the hull

Next haulout is in a few months

Timshel · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2010 10:24 **Posts:** 193

Tricky ! Maybe remove the sheave from the mast for extra working room then get a endoscope to fit on your I phone. A length of medium flex wire (lifeline ?) you may be lucky enough to look down inside and poke it in from the top then it should go all the way and exit in the centerboard box.My fitting through the mast base had a two foot plastic extension inside the mast,stops water spewing up inside. (except in a side fill lock !!)

Sailingdream · **Joined:** 17 Apr 2023 08:25 **Posts:** 11

Thanks for the replies.

I managed to get a fishing wire down through the mast and out. I made a slight bend(10 degrees )and bent the front to make it possible for it to pass through the about 90 degrees angle at bilge.

Can't get the pennant up though. I have connected the pennant to the wire with needle and thread. The pennant gets stuck between centerboard and trunk or further up.

Tartan37.com

Putting pennant back in mast

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