There seems to be a difference in some 17's regarding having to loosen the shrouds. I don't have to, and none of the guys I regularly sail with have to, but others on the list say they run up against a "hump" they would have to force the mast through to get it all the way up (or down). Obviously, it's a big time saver if you don't have to. I have a CDI furler and my 150 genoa is almost never taken off. I had a long tube type sleeve made that I slide over it for trailering to keep it clean and protected, but others trailer with it just furled. Speed tips: Eliminate steps that require tools, ie... Mast step bolt; I use a bolt with a wingnut and a clevis pin through the end to keep it from coming loose. Backstay turnbuckle; a Johnson Lever Lock turnbuckle to tighten the rig. Tuning done. If possible, have your sheets, turning blocks, and furling line already rigged on the boat. Jib sheets on a bow cleat, furling line tied handy to the bow pulpit, and they're ready to attach when you have the mast stepped. If you have the outboard cut-out like CornDog, the motor stays mounted all the time. Big time saver. The new Ida Sailor rudders can be left in place with the rudder blade kicked clear up vertical and tied off. You get the idea. Larry
A question for those of you that regularly trailer your M17 and have to take the mast down. Can it be done without making any adjustments to the
shrouds? With a roller furling, does the sail have to be removed first? (I have a CDI) Other tips to simplify the process? And lastly, how in the world do you guys do all this in 30-45 minutes???? Joe Seafrog M17