I have to use public ramps, so I step on the trailer and then launch.
I have borrowed many ideas from this forum.
I fabricated a telescoping extension to the front mast support that raises the purchase about 10 feet off the ground.
I run the strap of the recovery winch over a keel roller on the top of this extension and tie the end of the main halyard to the hook. The shackle end of the halyard is secured to the mast about a foot above the base.
I installed a removable mast support on the rear of the trailer that holds the top of the mast 6 feet off the ground.
I use ratchet straps hooked into the trap wires to stop the side to side motion.
I can then use the recovery winch to crank up the mast.
This was an off the shelf, nut and bolt project. A buddy re welded the mast support base but this was due to corrosion damage that a trial raising exposed.
I had him weld a brace at the top also but I could have bolted that up.
I used 1-1/2 Uni strut, and boat trailer rollers.
I know this sounds involved, but it enables me to raise the mast by myself in a potentially crowded parking lot with no strain.
I am working on posting images. I'll try to get some decent pictures this weekend.
Keep 'em sailin, GH
http://s651.photobucket.com/albums/uu23 ... st%20step/ps. open link in new tab