"Good" (using that term loosely) thing about a laser is that you don't need to lift the rig too high to get it in. Bad thing about lifting the rig is that it is pretty heavy.

How about a system like the existing cats where you lock the mast step into position and walk it up, but instead of having stays, have a gate at chest level that you can lock around the mast? It would be extremely easy to rig with very little chance of dropping it.

Might have to put my designing cap on for a couple of nights next week. Getting a bit bored of work related engineering.