Yes, congrats on you fine choice of boats (I currently have 3 Tys and a CD-10 -
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
). You will probably find 2 adults and 2 children will be quite comfortable on your Ty given that the cockpit is bigger than many larger boats. I confess to sleeping on a Weekender with 2 kids and a Weimaraner dog - it beats camping IMHO
Walking the mast up (or down) is very easy once you overcome the fear factor. I thought that distand's (Don's) step-by-step procedure posted earlier was well written - very similar to my approach.
There are a few things to consider that are slightly different if you ever need/want to do it solo...
Rather than using the previously suggested step ladder approach I built a "H Stand" out of 2x4's and mounted a bow roller at the top. The H Stand goes at the stern (aft part of the cockpit) to support the mast when trailering the boat. It needs to be about 30" tall so that mast clears the cabin top when horizontal (assumes no bow rail). The bow roller at the top of the H Stand makes it easier to maneuver the mast aft when putting the mast's base into the step.
The other tweak to the procedure if you are solo is to run the line that you attach to the forestay through something at the bow (a block or the SS L lock thingies, a technical term, on either side of the bronze bow plate) and then run it all the way back to wherever you are going to start walking the mast up. Be sure to stuff the end of the line into your pocket or someplace where it will not get out of your reach.
Once the mast is vertical the hard part is over because the backstay and shrouds keep it in place. Simply keep the mast in place by leaning on it toward the bow with your body and then pull in the slack on the line until the forestay gets some tension, which is then what prohibits the mast from going back down. Lastly either cleat that line to something or slowly maneuver forward while always maintaining tension on it until you can secure the forestay in its rightful place.
There, done solo... and all while not leaving the kids unsupervised
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
The alternate being to go with the two person approach and use the extra line to lash the children to the trailer, but be sure to unlash them before launching.
But seriously, the hardest part is smoothly making the transition from being in the cockpit to being on the cabin top while keeping the mast moving in the right direction. I find that part of the trick is not walking the mast up too fast but equally important is not too slow either because that can allow the mast a chance to start going off to one side. Which incidentally is a good time to mention
NEVER DO THIS AROUND POWER LINES - just sayin'.