Hi, just bought an 18' Prindle...have NO idea how to use it. I've been on a 16' Hobie, but with someone that knew what they were doing. Any words of advice? We tried to put up the mast tonight and couldn't even get past that. I see the actual reply to viewing ratio is pretty weak, but I'm hoping this is so basic that ANYONE on this forum could offer me some piece of advice.

Sharek

I have not sailed a Prindle 18 but here is a link to the manual even though it is a bit old. Have fun and ask a lot of questions.

http://www.performancecat.com/manuals/Prindle151618Manual.pdf

If you let everyone know where you are there is about a 50/50 chance you could find someone to give you a private lesson.

1) Keep the mast step hinge on the inside of the "ears" of the mating hinge piece of the mast base. This hinge actually sits upside down with the "P" symbol facing down.
2) keep your shrouds attached but loose. Don't worry if your harness wires are tangled. You can easily straighten them out with the mast up. 3) After your helper assists you in starting to lift the mast have them go to the bow to hook up the forestay. Make sure the boat is secured to a trailer or someone is sitting on one of the bows. They will want to lift up as you raise the mast. 4) Undo the mast hinge so you can rotate the mast into the proper position and leave the mast hinge attached to the plate on the main beam. 5) Adjust your shrouds so that they are snug when your mast is fully rotated. Consult the Prindle manual for the proper amount of mast rake. Make sure you have enough threads engaged in the barrel for the forestay adjustment. I had a dismasting once while sailing because I was paying more attention to mast rake than what really matters. And speaking of these kind of things..make sure your dolphin striker has very little lateral movement. Greg