The Viper owner's manual says stepping the mast takes a minimum of two people, but you might find this video helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9fqyRIJnE4

The basic idea is that you attach extensions to your shrouds so you can secure them when the mast is facing *forward* of the boat. With the shrouds and forestay secured and the mast pointing forward, lift the mast into position. The forestay and one of the shrouds will take the weight of the mast. The mast will be leaning because of the extensions on the shrouds. Then go to the slack shroud, remove the extension and connect is properly. After that go to the other shroud, pull the mast vertical, remove the extension and connect it properly.

I haven't actually tried this method of raising the mast, but the Viper owner's manual says, "... the hinged mast step allows the mast to be raised and lowered from any direction. The key to this is that the front of the mast must face the direction that it is to be raised from, or lowered to." So I'm thinking that this method will work.

If you try it, come back and let us know how it went.