Derek,
Welcome to the Rhodes owners list. There is a digital version of the owners 
 manual from around the time your hull was built. I'm sure some of the 
other  members can either send it to you or point you in the direction where it 
can be  found..
Three people can easily raise the mast without the crutch and crane that  
comes from General boats. I lower and raise my mast towards the bow. I use 
the  traveler bar as a trapeze and with two people on the mast it can be 
easily  raised or lower and kept under control.
That being said, the mast raising system from the factory is the safest and 
 easiest method and can be done by one person. You will find that in many 
ways  the R22 still handles like a small sail boat, but with many attributes 
only  found on larger boats.
Single handing the R22 is a breeze. You will find the hull to be very  
forgiving and your learning curve will be very short. If you would tell us where 
 you are located or intend to sail, perhaps there is an owner close by 
willing to  help you out. We have people everywhere.
 
Rummy
 
 
 
In a message dated 12/5/2009 12:16:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
ddodson at ebcc.com writes:

Hello,  I  just purchased a 1985 Rhodes22. I have never sailed before  
except
on a small sail boat and so I 

know I have a lot of learning  to do about rigging and really everything in
general. My goal is to set up  everything on my boat so it can be set up and
sailed single handed if  needed. 

I have read several things on the owners page and everyone  seems pretty
helpful and has a lot of input and ideas. 



I  have a few questions that perhaps I could find some help with.  

1.       I am looking for a owner's manual with a  list of the hardware that
I need. 

2.       My  boat does not have the winch or mast support that is built on
stern of boat  that is needed to raise the mast, I am going to attempt to
build something  and would like to hear from others for advice and even  
some
pictures.   



Looking forward to hearing from  everyone.



Derek  Dodson

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