Going up the mast

[bluesbyrd]

i recently tried an ATN “Mast Climber” but returned it because it did not feel safe *at all* and was pretty pricey at ~ $500.

But I have been looking into other methods for solo mast-ascension, and have stumbled across some pretty neat systems for “single rope” climbing on web-sites devoted to tree-climbing.

For example:

So - thoughts about and/or experience going up the mast solo?

C

 

[bluesbyrd]

PS: tree-climbing is a whole different world of technique and gear requirements from rock-climbing ...

 

[jimcleary]

Chris
When we first purchased Dana, I would haul myself up the mast with a four part block & tackle. That meant I was lifting 1/4 of my weight (180lb). It worked but became old very quickly. One year I installed mast steps. Not the fold out kind, but aluminum steps from a company called Pace-Edwards. I consider the steps one of the best improvements, among many, that were added to the boat. Of course not everyone agrees with me. Many have voiced concern about the windage they present. My only answer to that is that I am not a racer and that for the cruising that we do the windage of the steps is not an issue. I find that with the steps I am up the mast for repairs and/or inspections multiple times a season. When we cruised the Bahamas, we spied coral heads from the spreaders as we navigated. I know they are not everyones cup of rum but it is a viable solution.
As an aside, when I go up the mast, I use a mountain climbers ascender as a safety device. The main halyard is secured to the boom and pulled tight. The ascender is clipped to the halyard on a short lanyard to my harness. As I climb, the ascender follows me up. If I slip and fall, the ascender locks and only allows me to fall the length of the lanyard. When I get to where I am going to be working, a second lanyard goes from my harness, around the mast, and back to the harness and I'm secured in position and can work with two hands.
I hope this will provide some food for thought.

Jim

 

[terry_thatcher]

I find the ATN ascender okay, but the problem with all such devices is that you either have to have a complicated double system for a safety line (using a climbing ascender or a Prussic knot) or you go up without a secondary safety line. I trust the ascender not to slip, but it isn’t a great idea to go up without a safety line. If a fitting or the hailard gives way, you are dead.
JIM: I don’t know where to find good mast steps any more, do you? I don’t like the folding kind, but I haven’t seen any good enclosed kind like the old Pace Edwards. Had them on another boat and liked them.

 

[jimcleary]

Terry
As with all good things in life, the good stuff comes & goes. The Pace-Edwards steps were made too well to last on the market. They are made from heavy aluminum with all the edges rounded and easy on the hands. They attached to the mast with four 1/4" aluminum rivets. The company even sent me the Big Daddy rivet gun to do the installation, then return it to them. I doubt you'll find steps as nicely made. A shame that they are no longer in business. I am going to do an online search to see if there is another source for mast steps. I'll let you know what I find.

Jim

 

[jimcleary]

Terry
I have been searching for mast steps on the web for the last hour or so. It has not been a successful query. What I did find was the The Selden mast company sells a fixed step but it looks to be rather narrow. The folding type are still available but they rattle when in the closed position and if your foot slips you go off into space. Pace-Edwards is still in business but they make parts for pickup trucks. They haven't made mast steps in years. There was one Pace-Edwards step offered on E-bay in 2015 for a price of $125 and $25 shipping. In 1998, Practical Sailor did a report on mast steps. At that time there were 7 models available on the market. Their pick was the Pace-Edwards units. Looking back at my records, I installed the steps in 1990. Each step was $7.95. A total of 22 steps and 100 1/4" rivets cost me $189.90. Times change.

Jim

 

[bluesbyrd]

Jim

I like the idea of mast steps in combination with an ascender.

But, as you say, the good-old kind are no longer available.

Perhaps one could DIY and fabricate them out of flat aluminum bar stock?

I can imagine making a jig for bending flat-strap aluminum .... but I don’t know anything about the potential resulting induced stress or work-hardening ... does one “temper” aluminum?

Some research required here ...

With 22 steps, you are spacing them about 2’ apart on the mast?

C

 

[jimcleary]

Chris
The Pace-Edwards steps are extruded and have numerous angles and ridges that strengthen the structure. I don't think bending flat stock on a DIY basis would end up being strong enough without being overly massive. When I next go out to the boat I'll photo one of the steps so you can see it.

Your question of the spacing got me digging out my old workbooks from 1990. I found the page of calculations for the project. A photo of the page shows quite a bit of obscure figures and gibberish. The two most prominent numbers seem to be a spacing of 17 3/4" between each step and the word in the upper left hand Corner: "Remeasure". One thing to remember is that Dana is a 382 with the shorter mast. The numbers for the 383/384 will be totally different. Two things I remember clearly are that the port spreader is treated as a step relative to the 17 3/4" measurement. And that the very top steps are the only two that are at the same level so that when working at the masthead, both feet are equal. The placement of those top steps (54" from masthead) was dictated by the spacing of the upper shrouds angling into the mast

I don't know if this will help you or confuse you. I think the biggest issue you will face if you decide to go with steps, will be finding a good quality fixed step to begin with.

Jim

 

[bluesbyrd]

Jim

Wow!

Thanks! A great help, as always ....

You know, I’ve received a lot of good advice over the years from a lot of good, experienced people on this forum

But I’m going to start start calling you “Yoda” ....




C

 

[jimcleary]

Chris
Thanks for the compliment. I simply have been messing about with boats for the last 45 years. The majority of those years have been working on the Morgan. It is my pleasure to add my experiences to anyones project if it would be of help.

Jim

 

[john english]

I've used 2 simple chest ascenders and a sit harness for many years alone. With age brings sobriety and now I have someone on deck controlling a safety halyard and fetching the inevitable missing tool or part. It also makes descent easier by unloading the ascenders on the climbing halyard and slipping the safety halyard on the winch. Both halyard winches are deck mounted.

 

[jimcleary]

I was out working on the boat this morning. Took a few photos of the Pace-Edwards mast steps.

Jim

 

[stnick]

Nautos makes non folding mast steps also