For those of you that pull and step your own masts, I have a couple of questions. Twice a year an argument takes place out at our mast stepper. There are those members that know...they just do.....that the "proper way" to step or remove a mast involves running a lifting strap up to the balance point and then lift or lowering as the situation dictates. The argument comes from two things, do you choke with the lifting strap or lift by the spreaders? Second, do you raise/lower with the strap eyes and cable on the front of the mast or the back of the mast? This is no small argument, it results in a great deal of yelling and arm waving although the wishes of the boat owner are generally granted, there are many times when dire consequences are predicted.

I am a lift by the spreaders, back of the mast guy. My thoughts are that it is easier for a non-choked lifting strap to slide up and down the mast. Lifting from the back keeps the winch cable out of the wind instruments, base of the mast goes aft and the RF unit must be disconnected and walked to the back of the boat when lowering. Back stay is left connected during the raising or lowering process.

Preferences? Opinions?