Andrei,
I don't know if you have tried raising the M-17 mast without an assist, but
it's not very hard to do and may save you some time. When I picked up my boat
last summer the previous owner demonstrated raising the mast with just a line
tied to the bottom of the forestay, through a turning block at the bow
chainplate, and back to the cockpit, but it was only a safety backup, not used
to
raise the mast. After bolting the mast to the tabernacle, he just "walked it
up" like a ladder, standing on the cockpit seats and moving forward until the
mast was up. I did it my self (I'm over 70), and found it quite easy. I
keep my boat on the trailer mast-up, so I don't have to do it every time I
sail,
but I have had it down several times this season for various reasons and don't
consider it a major chore. It helps to have the boat tipped slightly
forward by lowering the trailer tongue so the mast "falls" the last few degrees
and
stands by itself while you pin the forestay.
I don't understand why "rolling the mast back is complicated by the
spreaders". After lifting the bottom end off the trailer cradle, you should
be able
to just slide the mast back in the aft cradle until the spreaders are hard
against the cradle, at which point the bolt holes should just line up in the
tabernacle.
I'd go with Option 5. I don't know anything about the C-16, but you can't
beat the M-17 for sailing ability, seaworthiness, and comfort.
Good luck
Rick
M-17 #633 Lynne L
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