RE Mast Ties: I leave the shrouds connected and use "bungie balls". They come from Walmart in a package with 6 or 8 for a few bucks. A doubled bungie makes a loop with a plastic ball on one end. Great for locking the forestay, halyards, etc to the mast, I put one around the mast every few feet. quick to get off. Ruffus had used them when he delivered the boat last year and recommended them. I also use the bungie balls to restrain the jib when its down and to hold the furled main to the boom. I did find some short (10"??) velcro straps at Lowes that have a slit in one end. Wrap the velcro strap around the mast then slip the end through the slit and press it down til it sticks. I also use the plastic wire (cable) ties to lock down the fast-pins on the forestay and rudder. They have to be cut off at the end of each trip but I've got a lot of them. If I was trailering a long way, I'd use them to hold the stays to the mast. Don