It sure seems outrageous, doesn't it.

Sure, cranes are exspensive to buy or lease or what ever, and I guess if it's a licensed rigger they they gotta get paid a fair market value. There's probably some sort of liability they have to cover. It's almost conceivable that 500+, hard earned bucks is justifiable. Or else it's *#!#*near larceny!

This link came up some time ago. It might help. I'm thinking about some contraption that is lightweight, easily breaks down for storage and has rigging for stepping and unstepping the big stick attached. And I bet we can build it for $146 or less.

http://pearsoninfo.net/26/unstepping...ast_photos.htm

That is a P26 and not an Ariel but you'll get the picture.

Good luck and congrats. Tony G