Make sure that the trailer is towed in a level position. It should never be towed with the tongue lower than the rear of the frame, as this will cause the brakes to activate and stay on during normal towing.
Make sure your car brakes stay dry. They work poorly when wet. Be extra careful just after ramp launching or recovery.
ATTACHING THE MAST SUPPORT WIRES TO THE BOAT
WIRE ADJUSTING CHANNELS:
Attach a wire adjuster channel to the bottom end of the upper and lower mast support wires, and to the rear mast support wire (Photo 17).
Photo 17 Wire adjusting channels
Use a 1/4" clevis pin and cotter ring, and mount them as shown in the Photo 18. Put the clevis pin through the second hole down on the channel and thru the end hole in the slide.
Connect the wire adjuster channels to the deck straps (chainplates) with 1/4' clevis pins and cotter rings. The upper and lower mast support wires attach as shown in Photo 18. Note that the open side of the adjuster channels face each other. The upper wire goes in the rear hole. The cotter rings should go toward the outside of the boat, so the sail control lines won't pull them off.
Photo 18 Wire adjuster channel attachments
Connect the rear mast support wire to the deck strap at the rear of the boat in exactly the same manner as the side wires.
Attach a turnbuckle to the forward mast support wire. Adjust the turnbuckle so that it is 1/3 closed.
RAISING THE MAST
ATTACH THE MAST TO THE MAST HINGE:
Unbolt the mast from the forward rail, and unbolt it from the rear support. The 3/8" x 4" bolt and lock nut that holds the mast to the forward rail for trailering also serve as the pivot pin for the hinged mast step. With the rear of the mast supported by the support in the cockpit, move the forward end on the mast back to the hinge area. Insert the hinge pin (see Photo 19) and make sure the lock nut is on tight enough that the plastic seal engages the threads. (You will need two 9/16' end wrenches for this.) It is not necessary to run the nut down tight on the hinge plates. Just make sure the nut is on tight enough so that you can't turn it with your fingers.
Photo 19 Mast hinge
