SPREADER TUBES:

The mast is carried on the boat with the bottom end forward and the slotted side down. Bolt the mast base to the forward rail with a 3/8 x 4" bolt and lock nut, as shown in Photo 13. This bolt also serves as the mast hinge. Use locknuts on all hardware holding the mast to the boat.

Photo 13: Mast bolted to front rail

Make sure the bolt is secure. Use the 9/16 wrenches. You will not believe the chaos if the front end of the mast gets loose while you are Trailering if you just tie the mast to the bow rail, a sudden stop could catapult the mast into your car or even into the car ahead of you. Again, the bolt is better than rope. Extra rope tie downs are always a good precaution.

The rear end of the mast bolts to the mast support post on the rear rail. Use a 3/8" x 4" bolt and lock nut. Make sure the post Is secured in its socket with a 1/4 x 1 1/2" bolt and lock nut (Photo 14).

Photo 14 Mast support

MAST AND BOOM STORAGE INSIDE THE BOAT:

If you wish to carry the mast inside the boat, undo the 3/8" x 4" bolt and remove the masthead fitting. Then pull the 2 mast sections apart. The top half of the mast goes in the upper set of holes in the hull liner (Put the splice end in the forward hole in the liner). The bottom half goes in the lower holes (with the splice end toward the front of the boat). The forward end of the boom lays in the trough below the mast sections, and the rear end goes in the hole in the rear bulkhead. (Photo 15)

Photo 15: Mast and boom storage

The thumb screws in the hull liner should be screwed into the corresponding holes in the mast sections to keep the masts from sliding out of their mount holes.

Coll the mast support wires and stow them, along with the spreaders and splice, on the rear bunk.

When using the boat as a powerboat, the easiest place to store the mast is fully rigged in the upright position. It has no real effect on performance under power, and it is out of the way. Having the mast rigged is a great safety feature. If the engine quits, It takes only a few seconds to get a sail up and to start sailing. This might save you from drifting onto shore or from some other danger or embarrassment. It also beats trying to step the mast in rough seas.

SECURE ALL GEAR:

Stow all loose gear inside the cabin. Leave enough separation to avoid chafing. Make sure the outboard motor is clamped tight to the boat. Add a safety cable to make sure it stays with the boat. Most motors have holes in the bracket to permit bolting the bracket to the boat. This is a good idea. Be sure to use some sealant so the bolts won't leak.