A rotation limiter line is provided at the base of the mast, which can
be inserted into the notch in mast step casting. By adjusting the
placement of stopper knots on this line, sailors can adjust the amount of
rotation their mast makes. To get started, place a knot in this line, which
allows the mast to rotate +/-45 degrees.
A jib sheet guide bungee is provided through a pad eye on the front
of the mast. Hook either end of this bungee through the holes on the main
beam gusset plates. The jib sheets will run on the outside of the triangle
formed by this bungee and the deck. The bungee will prevent the sheets
from snagging on the mast fittings during tacks or jibes.
Lowering mast
To lower your mast:
1. First put your WR17 on its trailer in an area that is entirely free of overhead power lines.
Power lines can kill you if they strike your mast or rigging, so look up and around,
TWICE.
2. Once you are in a safe area, run your main halyard around the shroud and fasten to the
forward trampoline eye. It should run directly from the masthead to the forward trampoline
eye. Unclip forward wires on shroud bridle.
3. Tighten the halyard enough that the forestay/jib goes slack, and securely cleat the halyard.
The halyard is now holding the mast up (double-check your cleating) so you can safely pull
the clevis pin at the base of the forestay/jib.
4. With the forestay released, make sure your rear upright that supports the mast is pinned
upright, and climb into the front cockpit where you will stand to lower the mast. Make sure
that the retainer pin is inserted through the mast base with its ring on the forward side of the
mast. This pin is mandatory to keep the mast on the mast base while lowering, and it must
have the ring on the forward side so it can be removed once the mast is down.
5. While standing in the front seat, uncleat the main halyard and carefully ease the halyard while
supporting mast with your other hand. You MUST LOWER THE MAST FULLY ROTATED to
the side so that the casting will not strike the mast base fittings.
6. Now, with both hands on the mast you can begin to lower the mast down to your shoulder
and then turn around and transfer it to the mast support rear trailer post.
7. If you are lowering the mast with the boat off the trailer, you must find a helper to support the
mast as the aft outrigger support would. DO NOT rest the mast on the crossbeams when it is
still secured to the mast step, as the excessive angle may overstress the mast base casting.
8. Once the mast is down and resting on its support, lean forward, hold the mast down with one
hand and unplug the retaining pin from the mast base with your other hand. If the pin is tight,
gently wiggle the mast to rotate it slightly and free the pin up for easy removal.
9. Now with this pin out you can unplug the mast base casting from the mast step ball, and then
slide the mast forward and lift it up into the forward mast cradle.
