Hi
Bluewater, while I've never owned a boat with a keel-stepped mast, I've helped step and unstep many of them. There's nothing too complicated about this process ... just take it slowly. The most important thing is to make sure the lifting pull is directly vertical. You don't want the mast to swing once it starts its
lift.
In preparation, you'll need to remove anything securing it to the base, and disconnect all
electrical. Remove the mast collar and loosen or remove the wedges around the mast/deck junction. Removing
wind instruments or antennas from the masthead is also a good idea. It's not necessary, but it does make the job a bit easier.
Some people
lift from the second spreader. This makes for a very heavy foot when coming down, but it can be done. I like to lift from just above the centre of the mast (be sure to take into account the below-deck section). To do that I position the sling with a looped line extending from the mast
winch or gooseneck, up to just past the mid-point.
The most important thing is to go slowly. Be aware of any building tension -- especially with non-manual cranes.