I just picked up a 17 this fall to sail in next year NACs since they will be up in my neck of the woods. I don't know as much as guys like Bounds, Ward, et al, but I'll throw in the little bit I do know.
Rig tension -- keep the shrouds loose enough to allow the mast to rotate to 90 deg.
Many of the boats are now rigged with a positive mast rotation system. It isn't as necessary for cruising, but if he plans on racing, he will want this. Hook up a bungee bridle from the bows. Then connect this bridle to the mast rotator with two more bungees -- one running on each side of the mast. This will rotate the mast forward when he releases the mast rotation for going downwind. Use heap-big beefy bungee! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
Trap lines -- The last time I sailed one of these boats, the trap lines were strung outside the wings. But now the locals are telling me they run the traps inside the wings in a normal set-up.
Check the hooks fiberglassed into the daggers. Do this from under the boat. These hooks have a way of wearing out and breaking off.
Ummm...tell him he'll go a lot faster and enjoy the boat a lot more if he keeps the pointy end up!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
