I often am asked how do I step the free standing main mast. Most folks assume that the need for spreaders to be important to using a Gin pole to step a mast. I do use a Gin pole lift; a looped strap is set about two feet below the steaming light. Attached to the hook holding the strap I use a line with bowline knot to the hook. The line runs from the hook to below the boom track used to connect the boom where it is wrapped around the mast ten times. The load of the lifting of the mast is from the wraps around the mast while the hook holds the mast steady and helps lift mast upright.
Several friends stopped by to help, but it is possible for only two people to step the mast, which is 48 feet.
Below are some picture taken that may help demonstrate how the mast is stepped.
<-- I am wearing the hat and hooking the strap loop around the mast
<-- Mast raised by loop strap
<-- Note the Gin pole cable to the loop strap and the working line at base
<-- Friend using halyard to control swing of mast at masthead
<-- Note the loading line wrapped around the mast leading to the loop
<-- the mast is raised behind the Gin pole arm
< -- Adding a control line at base to help guide mast over to boat
< -- Mast moving over toward boat
<-- Inserting mast through the deck collar
< -- No shrouds or stay hardware to adjust