A few photos would be the best solution, but I'm in Minnesota and the boat is in a barn for the winter. I'll do my best to describe my setup. First, I devised my system to work either on the trailer or on the water. I fasten one end of the whisker pole to a spinnaker pole ring at the bottom of the mast. I use the main sheet, blocks and all, with the bottom end attached where the jib tack normally attaches, to provide the mechanical advantage. The other end of the main sheet attaches to the outer end of the whisker pole, along with the jib halyard leading from the masthead (I don't have a furler). I run lines from the outer end of the whisker pole to holes in the toe rails to provide side-to-side support to keep the whisker pole centered. I would have to wait until spring to report the exact position of the attachment to the toe rails, but it is a foot or so aft of the base of the mast. The position must be such as to maintain reasonably constant tension throughout the raising process. I pull on the main sheet to raise the mast. I've rounded off the aft portion of the bottom of the mast so that it rolls easily as the mast rises from horizontal to vertical. Depending on the length of your main sheet, it may be necessary at the end to crank down on the jib halyard to get the mast all the way to vertical. I need to apply enough tension at the end to enable me to connect the forestay. I leave the backstay alone to preserve the fore-and-aft position of the mast. I would be happy to take pictures in May, but this is the best can do at the moment. Rich Makela M-17 #233 - Harmony -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Jazzy Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2016 1:53 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: Mast raising... Hello all,, It's been too quiet. So I thought I'd stir the pot. Let's hear how you raise your mast. Currently I have a single block I attach to the bow, I run a line from furler through the block then back to me via the winch. I heave ho, and take up the slack and cleat it off while I attach the furler. A bit precarious, but works ok. I'm considering a double block for some purchase. Jazz