When I first read the initial post, I though "Why didn't I think of that?". Then my enthusiasm was dampened a little by the replies, but I still thought the idea had potential.

My situation, Tornado classic aluminum mast (heavy), no pin in mast step, mast has to be raised from the back, mast has to be twisted 90 degrees until most of the way up to avoid damaging the tramp with the rotation limiter (which is part of the mast base).

So today, I figured we'd have a go at tipping the boat, and it was WAY easier, and required less manpower. As a side benefit, I didn't have to have the 6 foot 4 neighbour walk accross my ever more fragile tramp (which I hadn't put on the boat yet).

So, IMO, it's not a bad idea under certain circumstances.

Thanks for the tip. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Al