1. Grab the mast and set it vertical in the step.
2. Grab the forestay, and apply slight pressure to it
to keep the mast standing up. Check the shrouds
to make sure they are not tangled. Fix if neccessary.
3. Lean down and attach forestay to the bow of the boat.
I added a small plastic ball to my forestay so that when I am
stretching the wire it doesn't dig into my hand. I found that
using the halyard wasn't buying me much, and I prefer undoing
my halyard coil when the mast is up ... much less tangeling.
Derek Jensen
p-15 #694 "El Nino"
Portland, OR
Phlzfan wrote:
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> West Wight Potter Website at URL
> http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> > I just returned home with a new to me Potter 15 # 1317. What is the best
> > way to step the mast and attach the forestay by myself. I am a new Potter
> > owner and new to sailing.
>
> 1. Attach the Main Halyard to the deck plate where the forestay will
> eventually go.
> 2. Cleat the Halyard to its usual cleat on the mast.
> 3. Holding the halyard in your hand (against the side of the mast), lift
> the mast onto the step, and, assuring that the shrouds are not twisted,
> raise the mast to the vertical.
> 4. Pull on the halyard until it is holding the mast vertical, and cleat
> it off to the mast as tight as you can. The mast is now standing alone and
> is secure with the main halyard serving as a temporary forestay.
> 5. Take the actual forestay forward, and, using the halyard to give
> yourself slack (push up on it), fasten the forestay.
> 6. Remove the halyard from the forward deck plate (you may need to loosen
> it from its cleat on the mast first).
> 7. Voila!
>
> I have used this system many times without trouble, even stepping the mast
> with the boat in the water (Yes, yes, going forward without tipping over).
> Using the halyard to give yourself slack is the key in my opinion.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Scott Paist
> P-15 TUMP
> Lancaster, PA