You can raise the mast alone, but why bother? If you have a friend, have him (or her) stand behind the boat, raise it to an overhead position and just walk it up until you're comfortable with the weight. It's more awkward than heavy. Be sure to manage all the wires so they don't kink or get caught. Shorter guys seem to have an easier time doing this. I'm 5' 8" and not particularly strong. It seems easier for me to step under the mast than it is for the six footers. My friend, at 6'6" 250 lbs always needs help, even though his bench press is well over 300 lbs.!

Keep your eyes and ears open for a set of "magnum" wings. They make the TheMightyHobie18 a primo party boat! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Later on, you can trick it out with a spinnaker to kick it up a notch!

WATCH OUT FOR OVERHEAD POWER LINES!! Electrocution is one of the few ways to die in this sport.

Keep us posted, let us know how you're doing.