LDC Racing Sailboats RS200 Owner's Manual - page 4
4
Stepping the mast
Before stepping the mast
(1)
Check the surroundings for electrical power lines! On no account
attempt to step the mast near electrical power lines or if there are any lines
between you and the sailing water!
(2)
Check, all sheaves and pulleys rotate freely
(3)
Check the shrouds, forestay and halyards for damage or chafe, the
spreaders for alignment and that the spinnaker halyard and Tweeker line
move easily.
(4)
Fit any racing flag or wind direction indicator to the mast head.
It will help if the boat and launching trolley are off the road trailer base when
stepping and unstepping the mast as this keeps the boat as low as possible.
Stepping the mast
(1)
Check the shrouds and forestay are free and ready to attach and that
the mast step in the boat is clear of ropes and obstructions, the kicking strap
rig tension and cunningham controls should all be aft of the step
(2)
Rotate the mast to the upright position whilst standing beside the boat
adjacent to the mast step.
(3)
Try to ensure that the tenon at the base of the mast remains free of
sand, grit or stones.
(4)
Lift the mast into position. If you are uncertain or there are strong winds
it will be helpful if one crew member stands in the boat just behind the mast
step. Be careful to keep forward of the launching trolley wheels when in the
boat.
(5)
Ensure that the tenon is fully located, both in the step and between the
two bolts. It should be a snug fit, any rotational play reduces the
efficiency of the spreaders to control mast bend.
(6)
One crew member remains holding the mast.
(7)
The other crew member can then attach the shrouds.
For a first setting locate the shrouds 5 holes down on the longer range of
adjusters.
(8)
Secure the forestay to the large eye bolt at the bow using at least 3
turns of the lanyard and finally finishing off with 3 or 4 half hitches.
(9)
Do not over tension the forestay, a light tension sufficient to prevent the
mast moving around excessively is sufficient.
It is desirable that the forestay has some considerable slack in it once the jib
is hoisted and tensioned. The windward performance of you RS 200 may be
adversely affected if the forestay becomes tight whilst sailing!
(10)
Once the mast is stepped and secured tape all the rigging pins on the
shrouds for extra security.
(11)
The clip on the Tweeker line, which exits from starboard side of the
mast just above the gooseneck, should now be connected to a similar metal
clip to be found near the inboard end of the spinnaker Sprit.
The RS 200 mast is fairly light, most people will have little difficulty simply
lifting the mast into place in the mast step as described. If you are short