Andrei, I don't know if you have tried raising the M-17 mast without an assist, but it's not very hard to do and may save you some time. When I picked up my boat last summer the previous owner demonstrated raising the mast with just a line tied to the bottom of the forestay, through a turning block at the bow chainplate, and back to the cockpit, but it was only a safety backup, not used to raise the mast. After bolting the mast to the tabernacle, he just "walked it up" like a ladder, standing on the cockpit seats and moving forward until the mast was up. I did it my self (I'm over 70), and found it quite easy. I keep my boat on the trailer mast-up, so I don't have to do it every time I sail, but I have had it down several times this season for various reasons and don't consider it a major chore. It helps to have the boat tipped slightly forward by lowering the trailer tongue so the mast "falls" the last few degrees and stands by itself while you pin the forestay. I don't understand why "rolling the mast back is complicated by the spreaders". After lifting the bottom end off the trailer cradle, you should be able to just slide the mast back in the aft cradle until the spreaders are hard against the cradle, at which point the bolt holes should just line up in the tabernacle. I'd go with Option 5. I don't know anything about the C-16, but you can't beat the M-17 for sailing ability, seaworthiness, and comfort. Good luck Rick M-17 #633 Lynne L ************** Get the scoop on last night's hottest shows and the live music scene in your area - Check out TourTracker.com! (http://www.tourtracker.com?NCID=aolmus00050000000112)