Robbin, I use the boom and mainsheet blocks to raise the mast on my M-23 and find it works well. I have not rigged if for doing it alone so it requires a few extra hands to hold the boom in position and steady the mast on the foredeck as it goes up. I generally do it on the trailer before launch. I lay a 2x12 plank across the sides of the truck bed where someone can stand to support the mast until the pin is placed. I replace my mainsheet line with a longer line run through the main sheet blocks. I have a bridle that attaches to the stern cleats that I attached the bottom mainsheet block to. The line coming off this block aligns perfectly with one of the sheet winches in the cockpit and I use the winch handle to crank up the mast. Granted, I only raise and lower my mast once per season and so don't mind the bit of extra hassle. The thing that is really great about it is that I never have to loosen or adjust the forestay or shrouds. I loosen and disconnect the backstay and the mast will come down. When I raise it in the spring, I tighten the backstay and all the other stays and shrouds are just where they were the year before. Sometimes I adjust tension equally but thats about it. The person on the foredeck needs to steady the mast initially, but once it is up a bit, the shrouds begin to hold it from going side to side. I have raised and lowered it in the water, but the rocking of the boat can make it a bit more challenging. If the bow of the boat is pulled in and angled towards a longer dock, a person on the dock can support the mast as the pin is removed. I personally like doing it on the trailer better. Have had my boat in now for about a month and a half. Its been so great having it in the salt water again here in Bellingham. Happy Sailing!! Jeff M-23 Clarity ________________________________ From: Robbin Roddewig <robbin.roddewig@verizon.net> To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2013 6:27 PM Subject: M_Boats: mast raising on M-23, as easy as NorSea 27? Hi all, it is time to raise the mast on the M-23. My son and I tried it with muscle with the mast over the stern and could not raise it safely. I have been watching the NorSea 27 videos which show it being lowered to the bow with the main sheet using the boom as a gin pole. Has anyone got more information about this method? Does the NorSea have a set up that I could copy to raise the mast? Thanks in advance! Robbin M-10, M-23