Mast stepping.

Should I attach the forestay (non roller furling jib) or either of the shrouds to the chainplates before stepping the mast? It seems like if the forestay, and one shroud were attached it would make everything a bit more stable once the mast is up, that way the other person could use the non-attached shroud to help support the mast as it goes up. Same question for unstepping the mast.

With the mast base on the trampoline and relatively close to the mast step on the front beam...have the mast pointing rearward extending out over the rear beam of the boat. Attach both shrouds and leave the forestay loose. Step the mast (it's easier if someone can walk it up to you while you stand on the trampoline). Most trailers should be attached to a car so it doesn't pop a wheelie with all you and the mast weight behind the axle. Step the mast and push against the connected shrouds while the buddy that helped walk the mast up to you connects the forestay.

You don't want to step the mast with nothing connected - it will be practically impossible to control and keep standing.

Now, that said, I am not intimately familiar with the Isotope and some cats are stepped a little differently.

The Isotope mast (unlike many other cats), is stepped from the bow. When stepping with a second person, we usually attach the forestay (or furled jib) lift with the shrouds free. One person holds the mast while the other attaches the shrouds.

Single-handed stepping requires an additional step, and eyestraps on the front crossarm. With the mast down, slip it on the base and attach the shrouds to eyestraps on the front crossarm. Lift the mast upright and then move the shrouds back to the chainplates. If you want, you can attach the mainsheet to the halyard when stepping to provide additional stability.

I'll be happy to show you how at Catfest.

Regards,
Eric

Thanks guys, luckily we didn't have any problems raising it yesterday with nothing attached. Heading out again this weekend, and will definitely attach the forestay.