I am a beginner/novice sailor. My boat is a Newport 17 (1978) in better than average shape for its age, and I am learning to sail it on a smaller, sheltered lake in the Midwest where I have joined a club with good teachers. But a question has arisen that puzzles everyone. It concerns stepping the mast. The source of puzzlement is this quote from the owner's manual:
"Although there is a pair of holes for an additional pin located on the front end of the mast step hinge, we do not want a second pin inserted through these holes when the mast is up." The manual also explains that the mast is to have a slight back-rake (no degrees given). The previous owner always sailed the boat with both pins in place. If the manual means what I think it means, the mast should be pinned only through the back of the step (perhaps to accommodate some flex and accommodate the back-rake??). What do other owners of the N17 do?
Thanks for the help,
gburling
"Although there is a pair of holes for an additional pin located on the front end of the mast step hinge, we do not want a second pin inserted through these holes when the mast is up." The manual also explains that the mast is to have a slight back-rake (no degrees given). The previous owner always sailed the boat with both pins in place. If the manual means what I think it means, the mast should be pinned only through the back of the step (perhaps to accommodate some flex and accommodate the back-rake??). What do other owners of the N17 do?
Thanks for the help,
gburling