Going up the mast by yourself

[letlmt]

I was wondering if any of you have developed a way to climb the mast without someone helping. I will not be taking my mast down, and I need a way to inspect the says, shrouds and other hardware on the mast.

I looked at the http://www.atninc.com/atn-mastclimber-sailing-equipment.shtml but the smallest line it works on is 3/8" and all of the halyards are 5/16" so it will not work.

Any ideas?

Another question is, how stable is the boat (WKTR) with a person at the top of the mast?

 

[justsomeguy]

how stable is the boat (WKTR) with a person at the top of the mast?

Aye, there's the rub. Doesn't take much weight off center to start the process.
I recommend not going up.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

personally I wouldn't climb a C22 mast - to thin and flex

 

[Justin_NSA]

Aye, there's the rub. Doesn't take much weight off center to start the process.
I recommend not going up.

I was going to say the same, but the OP says the mast isn't coming down. On a 22? Much easier to inspect and make repairs. I wish I had that option.

 

[letlmt]

What does OP stand for?

 

[Justin_NSA]

What does OP stand for?

original poster

 

[victorhoisington]

I would lower the mast right in the slip with a line to the forestay, we do it at our club all the time for the smaller Capris and 22's. Then you can take your time inspect, make any repairs and raise the mast back up. Much easier than climbing the mast and much safer.

 

[jssailem]

Guessing you are sailing on Lake George NY.
If so I would check out the Harris Bay Yacht Club http://hbyc.com/service/. They report Mast stepping and unstepping services.
They may be a source of help. Climbing a small boat mast is a bad idea.

 

[Simon Sexton]

@letlmt ,
Good morning! I have climbed the mast on my Catalina 25 many times; she has a weighted fixed keel, and she still sways around quite a bit when I'm aloft. I couldn't imagine climbing a Catalina 22...that would just be plain frightening!

 

[letlmt]

Hmmm, I used to have a J/120 and going up the mast was a regular thing that everyone just assumed would be done.

I know the 22’ is less stable, but I wanted to find out whether anyone goes up the 22’s mast. It is not looking like it.

How do you inspect the top of the mast and spreaders without going up the mast or taking it down?

Thanks

 

[letlmt]

Thanks all, you have given me a lot to think about

 

[justsomeguy]

How do you inspect the top of the mast and spreaders without going up the mast or taking it down?

Drone w/high-resolution camera?

 

[jssailem]

Binoculars and an occasional demasting...

 

[BrianRobin]

What does OP stand for?

It's young persons talk, us old fellas just have to follow along!

 

[Justin_NSA]

It's young persons talk, us old fellas just have to follow along!

Well thanks, but I'm 63. Yes I have a forum problem...

 

[letlmt]

I liked the drone idea, plus it will be a fun toy

Thanks

 

[Meriachee]

I wish my mast was as light and small as a 22. There's no reason that mast can't be dropped, easily.
Please don't climb it. That's a bad idea.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I liked the drone idea, plus it will be a fun toy

Thanks

You will have a lot of new friends at the marina!

 

[jssailem]

I liked the drone idea, plus it will be a fun toy

Well now we know what @letlmt wants in his Christmas stocking.
Boy this would really be a tough crowd to celebrate Christmas with Secret Santa's.

 

[Meriachee]

I recall a drone discussion on this very forum when I bought my original Mavic. It kinda mirrored the political situation down there, those that were for it were rather vocal and those that were against it were talking buckshot.