Nicole, Your boat can most likely can be outfitted with the standard Macgregor mast-raising kit that will allow you to raise the mast yourself, even while you are on the water (handy for going under bridges or launching the boat on a ramp with low-hanging tree branches). You can order a kit on-line from Havencraft (http://www.havencraft.com). It is pretty easy to install. Some tips and issues: (a) You probably have to install a new mast step (with the hinge in the back), (b) Make sure you seal all holes you drill for bolts with marine caulk (also available from Havencraft), (c) When raising the mast for the first time, loosen all of the rigging (in particular, the back stay), attach the forestay, then tighten the rest of the rigging, (d) If you don't have jib sheet blocks, install some so you can crank them to pull the mast-raising line (even with the mechanical advantage of the mast-raising system, a fair amount of force is needed when the mast is nearly horizontal; the force required drops off quickly as the mast goes up) (e) It is helpful for the mast-support crutch to be adjustable so you can incline the mast up by a few degrees before starting to lift it. This reduces the initial force required some. Once you install the mast-raising system, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. Happy sailing! John
