Newbie M17 Owner with some questions...

Posted By: John Merrell
Date: 7/12/09 11:25a.m.

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Greetings all! We just purchased an 05' M17 in pristine condition. This boat has never had any bottom paint. Bob Eeg emailed with his response essentially using a leveling laser device(?) marking the center of the boat, then counting the strakes down from the railing. I'm not sure I understand; maybe some of you could provide more information? I was thinking you could count the strakes and/or measure the distance from the water line to the railing every 10 to 12 inches, mark, then tape from mark to mark? I did understand about sanding the bottom, then applying a barrier coat, then the appropriate bottom paint. With that said, we will likely only leave the boat in the water for something less than a month at a time; maybe we don't need anti-fouling bottom paint at all? The second question is the mast raising system. The PO has devised an electric winch that does the chore. However, I'm not sure this is necessary. Does anyone have the specifications/instructions for devising a manual mast raising system? I read one where a line is run through a block forward, then to the jib winch; the mast is lifted up on ones shoulder, then you take a couple tuns of line on the winch,and grind it up? Again, any help will be greatly appreciated....John