I always raise my mast alone. I made a system using a winch that works great. I have been using it for three years with no problem what so ever. The one thing I had to do to differant to make it work is to use a 1/4 20 grade #8 bolt inplace of the standard stainless steel pin. I found that the termedous force on the sainless pin bent it and also spread the hinge wide open. You have to get a 2' long bolt because it has just the right amount of the non threaded part of the bolt. Then you have to get a standard grade 1/4 20 nut and drill it out just enough to slip over the bolts non threaded portion. You need this extra bolt because the non threaded portion is about 1/4" to long and the mast step hinge will spread open. The 1/4" bolt fits a bit snug into the hinge and mast base but it does work. first slip the bolt into the mast base and hinge. second put the drilled out nut on the bolt and then screw the but onto the bolt making sure you thread it up snug with your fingers. Now after you step the mast with the winch but before you connect the forstay to bridel you have to get the bolt out. I have found you have to back off on the mast a bit a little at a time. I go a just a click on the winch at a time. keep checking to see when the bolt comes loose and then take it out. attach the forstay and go sailing. Like I said this system has worked without fail for three years. I was going to try to get a 3/16 grade #8 bolt so it would come out easier but I have not found one yet. Also, never do this near other cars in a parking lot incase something breaks.