Larry
I have always used the forward lowers to connect to the Crane.  I never had the extender.
As long as I ease the backstay and the  Aft lowers, I never had a problem removing the forestay. (Except the curly cue rings are never easy.
A ‘Fast pin” would help.
Ric
Dadventure

> On Oct 28, 2025, at 11:44 AM, Larry Gioia via Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:
> 
> When I took delivery of my new R22 in 2014 the delivery person showed me how to step the mast. I took some pics but should have had someone film it.      Lee included the attached printout of Mary Lou’s directions (thank you to both!) when I bought his boat, and I realized I’ve been doing it wrong for 11 years. I have Stan’s written directions but must have misunderstood them.     I’ve been leaving the aft lower stays always connected, disconnecting only the forward lower stays and connecting them to the crane, hoisting the mast, then re-connecting them back to the chainplates. I couldn’t figure out what those 2 little chains were so ignored them - I now realize they are the extenders. It’s always been difficult to connect the forestay, probably because the aft lower stay is holding the mast back.     I looked for a youtube video showing it in detail but don’t see one - I was sure Peter might have one. I think with Mary Lou’s directions I’ll be okay but if anyone knows of a video, I’d really appreciate it.     Thanks!     Larry
> 
> Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

Richard F. Stott, AIA, LEED AP 
ric at stottarchitecture.com
C- 516-965-3164