[quote=tominpa][quote=dssaak]There is no reason to lift a mast into place solo. A winch on the mast post with a gin pole either on the trailer or placed on the mast makes it an easy task when using your trapezee wires for side supports. There are more than a few Youtube videos to show how it is done.[/quote]
Most cats still require a good support of the mast, usually well behind the rear crossbar. I did a solo mast raising on my 5.7 last month, and as waiex191 pointed out, the biggest problem is a secure way to support the mast so it can be seated in the ball or mast hinge. In my case I tried using a 2x4 as an extension to the mast support to try to pull the mast up with the main sheet. Well the 2x4 snapped like a toothpick. I was able to use the main sheet blocks to pull up the mast directly from the trailer mast support, but I needed a 7-foot mast support to hold the mast until I could get on the tramp and once I was there I just lifted it and used the blocks to finish the job and hold it in position. I have also considered mounting the boat on the trailer backwards, but the tow vehicle would take a lot of abuse in the event of a failed mast raising or lowering.[/quote]
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