Steady She Goes
Larry, The ideal is to have 3- 4 people; one to "walk" the mast part way up as Cliff suggests; one to winch the mast on up using the jib halyard led through a block at the bow then back to a jib winch (you'll need to add some line to the jib halyard); two to steady the mast from the sides with the other halyards if possible. The one who initially walks the mast up can take over one of the halyards as the mast goes up. I prefer to step the mast at the slip as you can get on and off the boat easier. Be careful of the "T" bolts that secure the shrouds to the chainplates. Check to be sure they are straight as tension is added to the shrouds when the mast goes up as they can easily be twisted or bent ( I keep a couple of spares because I've sprung them before!) That's the ideal! I've actually lowered and raised my mast by myself in a have to situation! I DO NOT recommend doing this....its really hairy!! Two can do the job if you're careful and I've done it with only one other person several times with no problem. Just take it slow and easy and you should be fine. Dick
