6. Measure the forestay BS to BS (Bearing Surface to Bearing Surface) and lock
off the adjuster at 24ft 6”. Undo the upper shrouds turnbuckles to maximum
open.
Stepping the mast
1).
Ensure that the halyards are positioned so the free ends can be reached once
the mast has been stepped.
2).
Carry the mast to the rear of the boat, butt end into the cockpit. Best to keep
the boat attached to the car to prevent the boat and trailer from tipping onto
the stern when you are climbing aboard the rear of the boat. Usually one
person can carry the rig alone but for the first few times, use two people until
you get accustomed to moving the mast solely. You will place one person at
the front of the boat to move the headstay onto the stem fitting and attach it
with the clevis pin and split ring.
3).
Using a small piece of line (or use a pair of Cunningham hooks measured to
fit) tie the mast butt (lower end) to the forward most padeye, just forward of
the keel. This allows you to pivot the mast on its butt without having it slide
forward into the boat. Simply hand over hand stand up the mast inside boat,
adjacent to the mast gate. One person should stand in the boat and lift the
mast into place, taking care when lowering it through the gate in the deck and
down into the mast step. Ensure the heel is properly located in the mast step.
It helps to ensure that the mast step is clear of ropes before you start to lift
the mast into position, and that the deck control rope is loosened off.
When
stepped, visually check that the T terminals have not become jammed into the
wrong positions when stepping.
4).
Attach the forestay to the aft hole in the stem fitting, as above described,
securing it with clevis pin and split ring. This should be taped, as the
spinnaker will contact this frequently. You can then let mast lean aft. The
forestay will keep it from falling aft and the mast partners will stop it from
falling side to side.
5).
Attach the main shrouds to the large aft chain plates. Take up some slack on
the turnbuckles.
6).
Assuming the forestay is pre set to 24ft 6”, then harden down the shrouds
until you have about 4 to 5” of prebend in the mast measured between the
back of the mast at the spreader bracket, and the straight line between the tip
of the mast and the back of the mast at deck level. This will equate to around
32 on a LOOS gauge measured at the upper shroud. Check the mast is set
symmetrically by taking the jib halyard down to each chain plate, and
equalising the shroud tensions until the mast is symmetrical (even, side to
side)
7).
Connect the lower shrouds via the multi hole adjuster to the main shroud
plates. They should be hand tight only at this point
8).
Thread the mast gate control line around the front of the mast, through the
block, back around the front of the mast, pull it tight enough to limit forward
mast movement and jamb it in the cleat.
Rigging the jib
9).
Tie or shackle the tack of the jib to the aft hole of the bow fitting.
Tape the
shackle to stop the spinnaker ripping on it when hoisting or lowering the sail.
