LIFTING THE MAST:

Make sure all mast support wires except the forward wire are connected to the mast and boat.

Make sure that the mast wires are not entangled on the boat or trailer, and then raise the mast (photo 20). This is best accomplished by standing on the cabin top, aft of the mast, and lifting the mast into position. Be careful not to hit a power line with the mast or rigging. You could be injured or killed.

Photo 20 Lifting the mast

The mast lifting task is made much easier if a second person stands on the foredeck and pulls on the forestay as the mast goes up. Look up to make sure the wires are not kinked on their attachment fittings, or tangled on the boat or trailer.

CONNECTING THE FORWARD MAST SUPPORT WIRE:

After the mast is up, tie the jib hoisting line Gib halyard) to the bow rail to keep the mast from falling backwards while you connect the forward support wire to the deck fitting. Make sure both ends of the line are secured to keep the mast from failing backwards. Connect the forward mast support wire turnbuckle to one of the holes in the foredeck fitting. Do not release forward pressure on the mast until the forestay is connected.

If you have to move the boat after the mast is up, be watchful that you don't run it into a power line.

RAISING THE MAST WITH THE OPTIONAL SYSTEM

GENERAL:

The following photo gives you an idea of how the optional mast raising system works.

Photo 21 Optional mast raising system

SIDE SUPPORT LINES:

After the mast pivot pin is in place, with top end of the mast resting in the mast crutch in the cockpit, connect the 12' side support lines as shown in Photo 22.

Photo 22 Side support lines

Using a bowline knot, fasten 12 foot side support ropes through the black plastic eyes on the deck just forward of the mast. Attach the other ends to the halyard cleats on each side of the mast (about 5' above the base of the mast). See Photo 2 "Securing a line to a cleat". Be sure they are secure. If they come loose, the mast will fall sideways as it goes up.