1. Get an extended 'Y' piece for the rear of your trailer, 2.5 meters (or 8/9ft if you're in the Great Excited States of America) or make an extension for your existing one.
2. Pull the cat around so it's back to back with the trailer.
3. Position the mast and insert the pin. Upper section of mast resting in the 'Y' with the tang clear of the 'Y' and closer to the cat to avoid tangle/complications. Be sure all wires are free and ready to raise and be sure your rollers are directly UNDER the  rear beam for balance when you step up there! The mast is easier to raise when the cat is  tilted forward on the rollers.

4. Attach a thin rope to the front stay, ABOVE the wire extension, down thru a pulley on the end the chainplate and back thru one of your jib cleats on the front beam. IMPORTANT: The rope has to be attached above the wire extension to allow the extension to swing free with the hook on the end.
5. Step up on the tramp and, with your weight on the rear beam, lift the mast up and forward, (easy to do even  for a babe) Set it in position (with a jerk) and you can hold it with one hand while you bend down to cleat the rope with the other. Be sure it's SECURE before jumping down to pin the hook in the chainplate. Do it with the wind BEHIND you if it's blowing strong.
Do it all in REVERSE for lowering, cleating your rope TIGHT before releasing the chainplate. Then just jump up and hold the mast with one hand, release the rope from the cleat with the other, step back to the rear beam while easing  the mast down (with both hands) onto the 'Y'.
Remember--all it takes is a bit of practice to develop the TECHNIQUE.
AND….a tip - if/when your stepping link breaks (as it will eventually) it may still be good if it has split lengthways - two separate sets of holes are more flexible and will last you many more years. Use a short, thin screwdriver for a pin - much better than the Hobie pin and easier to remove because of the handle.

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John Ahern Textiles, PO Box 448, Brighton, South Australia 5048. Email: john@johnahern.net
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