A few lessons I've learned (mostly the hard way) for rigging and unrigging the mast:

- An E27 rig with spreaders & shrouds weighs about 80lbs (varies somewhat from rig to rig).  Halyards weigh another 5-10lbs total.  When raising or lowering, the person at the back holding the mast is about in the center, so they are supporting this much weight.

- When lowering / raising the rig, don't rely on the halyard (or topping lift) to take all the weight.  It's just there to help and as a safety measure.  If you let the halyard take the weight, the rig will want to swing off to the side and destroy the hinge (I've done this).  Fortunately, Buzz Ballenger will sell you a new one for a reasonable price.

- Watch out for smashing stuff on the cabin-top just aft of the mast.  If you have swivel cleats on the back of the mast down low, you probably need to remove them.

- There is a point (when the mast is most horizontal) where it takes some brute strength and is best to have 3 people.  Get the tallest, strongest person to stand well aft by the tiller to catch and hold the mast while the pin is inserted/removed.

- If you are doing this on the trailer, watch out for 'wheelies'.  Either put the trailer on a hitch, or block the back of the trailer.

- Don't forget to put the windex on before putting the mast up.

- save the beers until after the heavy lifting.  Whether putting the rig up or taking it down, we try to put off intoxication until the rig is in its new home.  Even if you don't drop the rig, you _will_ spill the beers sitting around on the boat.