With the split forestays and a 16 to 20 lb mast on an a-cat, you don't need anything special to raise or lower the mast yourself.

First - point the boat into the wind. and bring the beach wheels forward (under the forestay tangs).

Second - position the mast forward and pin the base to the front beam. Support the tip of the mast out of the sand somewhere (like on the trailer or a folding chair).

Third - install rigging (I completely remove mine when trailering). Connect the two forestays but leave them secured to the hull with more slack than normal - about four to five inches extra slack. I stretch and bunji the trap lines in place just to keep them sraight.

Fourth, step the mast and let the two forestays hold it in position. With the boat facing the wind, with the forestays slack, and with the bows slightly high, the mast will be leaning back a good bit. The split forestays will provide plenty of side to side support for the mast and you can easily leave it sitting there (as long as you are pointing into the wind).

Fifth, pin your sidestays.

Sixth - tighten up the forestays bringing the mast forward and tensioning the rig properly.



While I agree that it is a little unnerving leaving the mast raised and supported only by the forestays, it is pretty stable there. Also note that the mast base will allow the mast to pivot way lower than it needs to - there's no reason you need to tilt the bows down to step or lower the mast.