Solo Stepping an SX mast

I was wondering if anyone steps their SX mast solo. I've seen the pics of the winch set up, but was wondering if a beefy dude could just pull it up? I've just upgraded from a 16 which I solo step on my own all the time with no problem.

Thanks,

Adam

Don't need to be beefy, just technique. Use your shoulders to lift it. Preferably have an assistant to hook in jib halyard. Have done it solo using mainsheet blocks to hold mast while I clip in jib halyard, I use my spin block at top of mast to hold it.

There was an excellent video of how to raise mast and rig solo. Only difference that I do is instead of using body to hold trap lines, I use use mainsheet to pull down on boom at each corner, then set shrouds.

The easiest is to do it with the wind behind you, and all lines moved away from potential areas where lines will snag, rudders etc. I also keep trailer hooked onto vehicle and boat tied down to trailer.

Once you have done it - it will be easier the next time, but get help first time just to see how it works, what issues are involved etc.

I used to to raise our Hobie 20 mast (which is pretty similar to an SX18) solo - not sure if I could do it anymore. So yea, if you're strong enough, I'm sure it can be done. But it's definitely easier and safer to have a helper.
I almost always do our 18SE mast solo, but if there's a strong breeze, I'll typically ask my crew to help. That second set of hands really makes a huge difference. All it takes is a little bit of cross wind and things start to get out of control, next thing you know, the mast is over to the side, the mast hing snaps, and down she comes.

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I have a standard H18 and I'm in the second season of solo mast stepping and 52 yrs. old, 6 ft., around 210 lb.

Hardest part for me was the initial lift off the crossbar as I had to protect by back. Last season I began placing the mast on my cooler to raise it a foot or so for the lift.

This season I made a simple wooden crutch like device. It sits on the rear of trailer, rises past the rear crossbar where it is lashed for stability. And then continues upward to a point as high as I can reach from the ground. While on the ground I lift the mast and place it on top of the crutch. Then from the tramp it is easier to get under it for the lift. I can't really get my shoulder under it before lifting because of the diamond wires. With practice maybe I can. But I don't have to lift much before it's on my shoulders and under control. I do pay close attention to the wind direction.

Mast stepping is a challenge but I make it ok. I thought I had a sailing partner last year but he turned out to be a nervous Nellie and terrible crew who froze up all the time at the worst moments. He never saw winds over 10 or capsized but just couldn't take. I thought relaying stories of my solo antics and capsizes (while learning) would sound like fun, instead it scared him out of sailing altogether. He's a life long friend and a good guy so no problem, but it didn't work out for sailing together.

I live in a sailor's no man's land and lake sail. Still haven't met another sailor in person. .........Hmm, that last statement implies that I'm a sailor. Not sure about that, but I have a Hobie and take it on the water as often as possible.

I have been stepping my mast with only the help of my son. He will lift up on the mast from the ground to get me started then move around and put in the quick pin at the forestay when I have it up. I take the two from trap lines and attach them to the centerboard bungies which help keep the mast from moving side to side during the lift. The tricky part for me is the diamond wires on the mast. I end up standing between the diamond wires and the mast for the bottom part of raising and lowering, the problem is that at 6'-1" tall and 230lbs I am a tight fit (I need to loose weight to solve the problem.

I have not tried the rope from the trap line around the trailer and then back to the mast for a solo lift but I think I could do it.