When I had my Mac 26, I just stood on the coachroof and lifted the mast up
into position in one easy motion. But then, I'm a real man.

Scotty

"Scout" wrote in message
...
I've stepped my mast by myself, but it was a bitch (and my mast is only 27
ft). The range you mention is the worst too, because that is where I must
step up from the cockpit to the cabin deck - not easy. And until the mast
is
nearly erect, the side stays are too loose to offer any side to side
support.
The best system I've found is using two people (minimum). I leave all but
the forestay connected. I extend the boom support line with a temporary
line fitted with a quick disconnect, and have the second person stand at
the
bumper of my truck and keep tension on that line, which helps to lift the
mast and gives me the chance to step up on the cabin deck without the full
weight of the mast on my shoulder. I also carry two truck ramps, and while
I'm rigging, I back the trailer up the ramps, which tilts the boat
slightly
'downhill' and lets gravity help to hold the mast in place while we secure
the forestay.
All in all, it's a pita, and the reason I keep the boat in a marina.
You might look into the mast raising system the Mac26 uses, perhaps you
can
adapt the idea to fit your needs.
http://www.macgregor26.com/mast_raising.htm
Scout



"rick" wrote in message
...
I have found I can trailer my 29ft sailboat just fine and I can
wetlaunch
once I get the trailer galvanised but stepping and un-stepping the mast
poses a problem in areas where there is no crane. If I make a tabernacle
I
need a ginpole or some way to get the mast through the 20-60 degree
angle
where I can't reach it and where the angle is insufficient for the
forstay
to lift it.
Does anybody have any experience stepping their own mast?

I have heard that using the boom as a ginpole might work but???
rick