Jesse, I've stepped the mast on the water. Really no different than on land other than as you say, don't drop anything. Also, make sure you use the temprorary shrouds, with the boat pitching just a little that mast can get away from you without them.

I have been a frequent visitor to this forum for the past 2 years since we've owned our "02" X. This is one of the most informative exchanges I've read in that time. Frank's explanation of the mast and centerboard as a pivot pole is the best explanation I've ever heard of how the X sails. ...