Craig,
I agree! I think the mast is a great place. I just didn't want the bother of unstepping the mast and all that, plus, I don't go offshore. I'm a Puget Sound/ San Juan Island guy so the added range isn't that important.
Good input and rational for that location though. There is precious little real estate on deck aft of the cockpit for much anyway so that in itself is a good reason for the mast location.
Thanks so much. Next decision......new
winches.
Jim