Block and Tackle Arrangement for Self-Hoist Mast Climbing

[rardiH36]

You attach the bosun's chair to the top ascender... with one carabiner, and a couple of webbing foot loops to the bottom.... REI will make the foot loops for you.... You don't need a harness... you have the bosun's chair. You'll still have to purchase the static line, I don't think that's included with the Topclimber rig...... but........ whatever you do.... good luck.

Joe:

You are explaining well. Again many thanks. Shouldn't be the mystery I am making it out to be. Will continue to evaluate. I will report back with my device decision and describe the ascension experience.

If you open the ATN Mastclimber video link ...

http://www.atninc.com/atn-mastclimbe...quipment.shtml

... a traditional type static line is not needed for this device. A halyard is tied off to the toe rail or cleat and winched tight from the other end. This becomes the ascending line.

Further and as mentioned before, my thought if I go this route is that I will parallel the ascending line with another halyard onto which I'll do a Prusik knot also tied to the bosun's chair attach point. This will be the safety backup if I elect not to use a well meaning but doesn't quite get it person (which I regret that many are) to attend to a winch.

 

[AnchorDragger]

The primary lift or climb system is less important to me than the BACKUP system. I want exclusive control of the backup. Look at what is used for rappelling and buy a rappel device, one that is very unlikely to be used incorrectly. Put it on the second halyard. Tie off the deck end of the second halyard and tell your helper to never touch it.

http://www.rei.com/category/4500695

 

[DannyS]

Re: Block and Tackle Arrangement for Self-Hoist Mast Climbin

I built my own system from REI and have used it many times. It seems complicated at first but in reality, it's a pretty simple system. I too, wanted a system where I could go up without having to rely on anyone else to be there to help me up or down.
I'm not sure if all REI's are the same (but I assume it's a company-wide rule) but the climbing department can NOT show you how to use the ascenders. They'll show you how to rig them, but won't put you on a line and show you how to inchworm your way up a line with these things. Also, I'm not sure about them making you the footloops from the webbing. Just buy a good knot book and you'll find everything you need. One more thing, there are better knots than bowlines for climbing purposes. Learn this one for joining the halyard to the static line.
http://www.animatedknots.com/fig8jo...ge=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

 

[sailaway78]

I did this

I have done this in the past, when I was younger and not quite so smart. I'll agree with the previous posters, go with a 4:1 setup.

 

[seadaddler]

Ascenders

I like the ascender way to go up the mast,I have inmast so will use the topping lift and spinnaker hlyards and bosuns chair.
I have found on very good Y-Tube instructions and video's showing how to climb and also all equipment needed and setting up,my wife will be available with tools as needed.
I will look on internet for ascenders and made foot straps but don't need big $$$$$ equipment and any suggestions for what models to get and where best price for beginner,ATN climber is $$$$$.

 

[alexco38]

Re: Block and Tackle Arrangement for Self-Hoist Mast Climbin

Got a pair (Left and right hand) of this:

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Climbing/UppersDowners/PRD~5018-172/petzl-ascension-ascender.jsp

Added a body harness, webbing and dedicated climbing rope as a system. Halyard is the safety line.

There is no way my wife can crank me up.

 

[rardiH36]

... ATN climber is $$$$$.

Check Bacon Sails Annapolis. $325. (Featured Products section at http://baconsails.biz/index.html) I found a local store with a MastClimber in stock. They matched the price over the weekend.

Yes, when I added the costs, the REI type DIY route is less expensive by maybe about $100 or so. But I figure that the ATN system is configured already for the task. So I bought. I didn't go to the top with it on the first "get acquainted" climbs. Half way up. All worked well. Also, for safety backup, I ran and tensioned my spinnaker halyard parallel to my mainsheet halyard ascension line. I linked a Prusik knot to spinnaker halyard and then to the attach points on the ATN's bosun's chair and a safety harness that I put on. This back-up was kept slightly slack. I found that the backup gave more sense of security. But needing to also move the Prusik knot up and down the safety line and check each time that it was cinched enough to hold my weight slowed the ascent and descent a lot.

As opposed to block and tackle self hoist, where when looking up you get the sense of that real "meat-and-bones" is holding you up, I found that looking up and seeing that I was supported by only one single 3/8" skinny looking halyard line was a bit freaky. Will take a little while to get used to. Looking down didn't phase me. I'll get to the top this week and have a go at freeing up my stuck furler swivel head which swivels fine, but won't come down.

 

[BobT]

Re: Block and Tackle Arrangement for Self-Hoist Mast Climbin

My 2 cents:
Did the climbing harness and knots; very strenuous, complicated and slow.
Did the climbing harness and ascenders: merely strenuous, complicated and slow.

My mate bought us a Mastmate webbing system: It is Preferred.

Yes, I must remove the sail from the track. But I don't have to run a dedicated climbing line for the ascenders to chew on. And no matter how tight I winched down the climbing line, there was still plenty of sway when a wake passed under us while up the mast. There is no risk of getting ascenders jammed too close together on the way down. The web steps are easier on my feet than a loop. The top steps put my head above the masthead. Climbing stairsteps is second nature compared to the management of two ascenders in contrary sequence. Takes a LOT less energy. Mate is A LOT less nervous!

I still tie off a second halyard and slide a safety web in a Bachmann knot alongside. The Mastmate includes a lineman style belt and a tool/parts pouch.
Pricing was not that much more than buying all the line and harness and blocks and ascenders and webs and slings and carabiners.

Last year I had 5 trips up the mast for various annoying windex and lightbulb issues. I still keep the harness/ascender crap in a locker but i hope I never have to use it again.

End of testimonial.
Enjoy

 

[Sumner]

My 2 cents:
Did the climbing harness and knots; very strenuous, complicated and slow.
Did the climbing harness and ascenders: merely strenuous, complicated and slow.

My mate bought us a Mastmate webbing system: It is Preferred.

Yes, I must remove the sail from the track. But I don't have to run a dedicated climbing line for the ascenders to chew on. And no matter how tight I winched down the climbing line, there was still plenty of sway when a wake passed under us while up the mast. There is no risk of getting ascenders jammed too close together on the way down. The web steps are easier on my feet than a loop. The top steps put my head above the masthead. Climbing stairsteps is second nature compared to the management of two ascenders in contrary sequence. Takes a LOT less energy. Mate is A LOT less nervous!

I still tie off a second halyard and slide a safety web in a Bachmann knot alongside. The Mastmate includes a lineman style belt and a tool/parts pouch.
Pricing was not that much more than buying all the line and harness and blocks and ascenders and webs and slings and carabiners.

Last year I had 5 trips up the mast for various annoying windex and lightbulb issues. I still keep the harness/ascender crap in a locker but i hope I never have to use it again.

End of testimonial.
Enjoy

Ditto to the above. We went the same route after considering all of the other options mentioned above. Found a used one on craigslist or e-bay, can't remember which, for less than $300 and I think it had only been used a couple times and was in great shape. I found out that it had the wrong slugs, so had to get new ones, but it was still a good deal. I have no experience with it yet, but will use it next time at the boat to put a new anchor light and a couple other things.

Heights don't bother me, but still at our age and Ruth's experience level we felt this was the safest route to take and one that would be the easiest for me to get up the mast.

I'll have Ruth on a safety line, but she doesn't have the background to have her hoisting me up there. We will have her practice with the safety line on something other than me . Or if someone else is at the boatyard that can help we will go that route.

Someone on here said that they have had some success with the mastmate not using the sail tract, but tying it off very tight to the deck and going up. I'll put it in the track, especially since the main is off now. I like the idea that we will also have it on the boat while cruising just in case.

We also bought 2 folding steps that I'm going to put in at the top of the mast to make standing there easier.

Sum

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[capta]

Re: Block and Tackle Arrangement for Self-Hoist Mast Climbin

I've been taking myself aloft since 1969. I always used a 6 to 1 purchase (with any wind or boat motion, the easier pull is nice) on Merriman wooden blocks. I believe the composite blocks of today are better, but that's what was available then. About 1/2" dacron line for (again) ease and comfort not strength, works best, I found. There is a special knot designed just for that rig to insure that it cannot come undone when you are at the height you wish to be. I cannot explain it properly in writing; I'd go find an old old sailor to teach you (or fly down to Grenada and I'll show you, for a g n t or two). We always used screw pin shackles, no quick anything, and a real bosun's chair.
I've used the system at sea, alongside the dock and at anchor; no problems.
At today's prices it is a pretty expensive unit to put together, but it will pay for itself pretty quickly if you need to go aloft often. Even if the riggers of today wish to do you a favor and not charge you, I've been told their insurance works out to about a c note per assent, ouch!
Good climbing.

 

[rardiH36]

As the OP of this thread, I would like to report that I did make it to my 50ft high mast top yesterday. Even managed to get the stuck Profurl swivel head free enough to pull it and the attached jib down when I got back down on the deck. Will have to go back up in a few days to re-install the wrap stop device after doing some work bench adjustments to it.

Can't say that "going up" will ever be an enthusiastic task for me. But the climb wasn't too distressing either. And accomplishing it was a challenge that was always on the back burner of my bucket list.

I will opine though, that unless one is quite confident in ability to handle lines and can "keep wits about you" at heights, then don't even contemplate self-hoisting/climbing up off the deck. Even though all went very well for me yesterday-- particularly considering this was my first time -- I am still wondering if this really is the smartest thing to do.

Mid-way through this very useful SBO discussion, I did inform that I elected to go with the ATN Mastclimber. Reasons were:

- Much information and successful climbing reports for "mountaineering" type ascension systems both here and on the general internet;
- Very good use and set-up videos on Sailrite.com and ATN's own site. I could see the device in action and how it actually worked;
- Everything in one bag, including the bosun's chair, rather than figure out what various mountaineering gear items would work together, and also the sense that training would be needed for the ala-carte approach;
- That I could easily rig a 2nd parallel halyard for safety back-up and slide a Prusik knot up and down along it.

I also put on and attached a chest-type safety harness. And the bicycle helmet protected my scalp from the sun. I might have found a way to stuff things up, but I wasn't going to fall!

I still think that I would prefer the block and tackle self hoist method. But despite the help from this site, I was unable to find detailed information anywhere with a tried-and-true list of gear and how to rig. The final arrangement would be inexperienced me to figure out. Plus the cost for 200ft of line, bosun's chair, blocks and a few miscellaneous parts did come to pretty major $'s.

Again thanks for all of the discussion and insights.

 

[Sumner]

....- That I could easily rig a 2nd parallel halyard for safety back-up and slide a Prusik knot up and down along it...

That is a very good idea. I'll have Ruth on a safety line, but since she has never had any experience there I like the 'slide a Prusik knot' suggestion a lot or maybe one of the climbing devices that is similar. I had those bookmarked, but can't find the bookmark now :cry:.

....I also put on and attached a chest-type safety harness. And the bicycle helmet protected my scalp from the sun. I might have found a way to stuff things up, but I wasn't going to fall! ..

Ruth sewed up a couple of the ...

... of the safety harnesses for us from Sailrite and even though they weren't specifically designed for this application and it would only come into play if I were to fall from the MastMate I think they will be an adequate backup.

Thanks for the feedback on what you finally did. Very informative,

Sum

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[rardiH36]

Ruth sewed up a couple of the ... safety harnesses for us from Sailrite and even though they weren't specifically designed for this application and it would only come into play if I were to fall from the MastMate I think they will be an adequate backup.
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/macgregor-links-1.html

Sum:

The Sailrite safety harness you pic'd is very similar to the one I am using for my climbing backup (a virtually new WM brand left by my PO when I bought my boat).

Re using safety harnesses for this climbing backup task, if you haven't seen it yet, Sailrite also has a video showcasing the Harken bosun's chair. They specifically mention and show the Sailrite safety harness as backup for the bosun's chair ascent. Here's the url to Sailrite's posting of the demo video to YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIpgD8LVWTY

Actually it was this video that prompted me to get out my harness. I had previously read that using a chest type harness for climbing wasn't a good idea. But guess this warning was if the chest harness was intended to be the primary harness rather than backup. The added benefit is that the chest harness's higher up D-ring attachment prevents any possibility of falling backward if the climber leans too far past the tipping point... that's provided the tether from the D-ring to the common attach point is adjusted so only a few inches of slack.

Caveat: My observation from just ONE day of figure-as-you experience! So definitely do your own thinking/research.

rardi



rardi

 

[Sumner]

Sum:

The Sailrite safety harness you pic'd is very similar to the one I am using for my climbing backup (a virtually new WM brand left by my PO when I bought my boat).

Re using safety harnesses for this climbing backup task, if you haven't seen it yet, Sailrite also has a video showcasing the Harken bosun's chair. They specifically mention and show the Sailrite safety harness as backup for the bosun's chair ascent. Here's the url to Sailrite's posting of the demo video to YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIpgD8LVWTY

... rardi

Thanks for the link. We won't be using the chair, but the mastmate ladder....

http://www.mastmate.com/

... instead. I'd like a simple chair to use at the top to lean into along with the steps I'm going to put there. The mastmate came with a tool belt that they show working for that, so I'll try that first.

Like you the harness is just backup,

Sum

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[joker460]

I have the Topclimber and it works great. Been up twice and it was easy.

http://www.topclimber.us/

Good Luck

 

[Joe]

... instead. I'd like a simple chair to use at the top to lean into along with the steps I'm going to put there. The mastmate came with a tool belt that they show working for that, so I'll try that first.

Like you the harness is just backup,

Sum

Sumner... you can easily make a simple chair from a piece of hardwood and a harness rove through holes drilled on each corner. You can make it out of scrap hardwood and 15 ft or so of 3/8 inch line. I HAVE ONE..... it would be perfect for your application... i.e. something to rest on while you're working up top. I will take a picture of it next time I'm down at the boat and email it to you. But I'm sure you have the design in your head already. If you're wearing a lightweight tool belt you don't need all the other bells and whistles, just the bench and supporting harness.

 

[Sumner]

... I HAVE ONE..... it would be perfect for your application... i.e. something to rest on while you're working up top. I will take a picture of it next time I'm down at the boat and email it to you....

I'll wait for the picture, thanks. Building a wood shed now, and lots of other things to do, so no rush,

Sum

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