J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Does boat need to be hauled to unstep the mast?

For what it's worth, John McArthur of Smiles has a gin pole and regularly steps and unsteps his mast in the water when the boat travels.

If you are doing spreader kit and sheave replacement along with replacing the standing rigging, Russ is right. Probably best to unstep the mast and work on the ground.