I sail near you very often at the Dunedin Causeway (I live 2 miles from the beach there). I have been through several boats in the last 6 years including a P16 and P18-2. I have used a gin pole (EZ Step) for my SuperCat 17 (tree trunk mast!) and I am very familiar with its use and set up. I can help you solo setup your mast. Solo stepping and launching your P18 is easy. BEFORE you start punching holes in your beams let me help you do it. Don't over-engineer an easy thing, just come by the Causeway and watch how all the locals step their masts. Write me off-forum and we'll set up a meet.