I cant answer all of your questions but I have experience with a few.



It took 4 men to right one 2 weekends ago without a righting pole (I would get one).



we have a sailor here that floats his with 4 and sometimes more people.



It will handle some surf and waves and wind to 25 KN.(that I have seen).



I saw a guy set his up single handed last weekend with a winch (not the ususal wench) (tied off the trap wires to the crossbar)



Without too many toys you could set it up in an hour.



Try to stay away from the four hour cruise and you should be fine.