OK, here's one. Someone mentioned using a gin pole to help step a heavy mast. I bought an EZ-Step and set it up for the first time. I just could not understand why I should go to all of the hassle of tying off the trap lines to the front beam. I had the boat in my front yard near my house and started to crank up the mast with the winch. The mast raised up a few feet, then started to swing sideways, clocking away from the midline of the boat! Swinging fast now, it smashed into my house breaking not just the window but ripped the entire aluminum window frame out of the wall. It ended up with the window frame hanging from the mast tip about 6 feet inside my daughter's bedroom. Since the family was out shopping I rushed off to Home Depot, found the exact window frame, hurried home and replace the whole thing and cleaned up the mess in the house just as they arrived. They knew nothing and this is the first time I have ever told of my little secret. Thank goodness my wife does not read Catsailor.

In praise of the EZ-Step, I set it up correctly and used it successfully for the next 3 years. Very easy if you follow instructions and adjust it properly.

Doh! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />