I am looking into adding equipment to climb my mast...(46' morgan 50'+ stick) The decision I am trying to make is; should I install mast steps or buy a top climber self propeled rig......I love my wife to death but I would not want her to be the reason she cashes in my life insurance policy early...well she may like it... Anyway,,has anyone had any experience with a Top climber or equilivent?...Ive looked into the west marine folding steps. They look like a fine product. Any opinions would be appreiciated. Thanks Rob
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RonD
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Practical Sailor magazine (weblink) did a review of these various techniques & products a few years ago. --Ron
Practical Sailor magazine (weblink) did a review of these various techniques & products a few years ago. --Ron
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Les Andersen
Mast Steps
Rob, I have a couple of the folding steps 2 feet up the mast to help when working with the flaked sail and putting on the sail cover. They are nicely made and quite strong. I believe mine are pop riveted on with some very large rivets but they could have been machine screwed on. They won't stay shinny like the picture after a few seasons but will oxidize to match the mast. Sometimes a line will slap them and the step drops into place and has to be lifted into the stowed position. When deployed they really do grab lines. With the couple of dozen you are talking about that might be a problem. There might be a way to make them a little harder to deploy using a spring or something. Les s/v Mutual Fun
Rob, I have a couple of the folding steps 2 feet up the mast to help when working with the flaked sail and putting on the sail cover. They are nicely made and quite strong. I believe mine are pop riveted on with some very large rivets but they could have been machine screwed on. They won't stay shinny like the picture after a few seasons but will oxidize to match the mast. Sometimes a line will slap them and the step drops into place and has to be lifted into the stowed position. When deployed they really do grab lines. With the couple of dozen you are talking about that might be a problem. There might be a way to make them a little harder to deploy using a spring or something. Les s/v Mutual Fun
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Paul Mieszczenski
Top Climber
Rob, I saw a demonstration of the Top Climber at the Miami Boat Show two weeks ago. It certainly seems to have it's advantages over WOTW (wife on the winch). My wife also has "mental lapses" when it comes to cranking, so I am seriously thinking about this system. I was assured that even with weak knees (too many years as wrestling coach)that I could find a position that was comfortable enough to get myself up and down. The salesman even turned himself upside down in the seat to demonstrate how safe the system is. It is a little pricey at $300, but a rapid descent onto the forward lower shroud is not something one wants to do more than once either. I could see problems with the steps unfolding at the wrong time and would not be comfortable with them if I had to go up in a blow. I understand your question as this is probaly my biggest concern also and one of the few drawbacks of a sailboat. Good Luck, PM
Rob, I saw a demonstration of the Top Climber at the Miami Boat Show two weeks ago. It certainly seems to have it's advantages over WOTW (wife on the winch). My wife also has "mental lapses" when it comes to cranking, so I am seriously thinking about this system. I was assured that even with weak knees (too many years as wrestling coach)that I could find a position that was comfortable enough to get myself up and down. The salesman even turned himself upside down in the seat to demonstrate how safe the system is. It is a little pricey at $300, but a rapid descent onto the forward lower shroud is not something one wants to do more than once either. I could see problems with the steps unfolding at the wrong time and would not be comfortable with them if I had to go up in a blow. I understand your question as this is probaly my biggest concern also and one of the few drawbacks of a sailboat. Good Luck, PM
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tom
I have a top climber
After I bought a dedicated line, the cost was about $400. It takes a little practice but now I can climb my 58' mast in about 2-3 min. Not a bad system... it beats having someone else cranking, etc. I can take all the time I want up there... If I had the extra money I would have probably prefered the system that looks like the maunal hoist for removing auto engines. It was at the Oakland show last year .. costs about $1300.
After I bought a dedicated line, the cost was about $400. It takes a little practice but now I can climb my 58' mast in about 2-3 min. Not a bad system... it beats having someone else cranking, etc. I can take all the time I want up there... If I had the extra money I would have probably prefered the system that looks like the maunal hoist for removing auto engines. It was at the Oakland show last year .. costs about $1300.
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Sam Morris
Aloft Rig
I have had a solo aloft rig for the past 26 years to use in going aloft on all my boats which were 40 feet or greater. I have installed the aluminum fold-out steps four feet down from the masthead to facilitate working on the masthead. As I state in the related link, if the Top Climber had been around 25 years ago, I might have gone that way. The only question about the Top climber is how does one come down the forestay and backstay to inspect them. I go aloft monthly to inspect the rigging. One month I descend by attaching my tether line and safety belt to the forestay or backstay. That way I get each of the stays at least every two months. A lot of the factors affecting your decision are based on personal preference. The major obstacle to going aloft is the fear of doing so.
I have had a solo aloft rig for the past 26 years to use in going aloft on all my boats which were 40 feet or greater. I have installed the aluminum fold-out steps four feet down from the masthead to facilitate working on the masthead. As I state in the related link, if the Top Climber had been around 25 years ago, I might have gone that way. The only question about the Top climber is how does one come down the forestay and backstay to inspect them. I go aloft monthly to inspect the rigging. One month I descend by attaching my tether line and safety belt to the forestay or backstay. That way I get each of the stays at least every two months. A lot of the factors affecting your decision are based on personal preference. The major obstacle to going aloft is the fear of doing so.
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Al Lorman
English ladder
I read about a neat system in an English boating magazine. It's basically a folding ladder that you insert into your mainsail track and then hoist up with the halyard. Of course, you still need a halyard for yourself to be on the safe side.
I read about a neat system in an English boating magazine. It's basically a folding ladder that you insert into your mainsail track and then hoist up with the halyard. Of course, you still need a halyard for yourself to be on the safe side.
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Rob
Thanks for the info!!
I just found this write up on various systems to use.Its a great overview......as per your help and reading it looks like a top climber for me... Thanks Rob http://www.boatus.com/goodoldboat/upthemast.htm
I just found this write up on various systems to use.Its a great overview......as per your help and reading it looks like a top climber for me... Thanks Rob http://www.boatus.com/goodoldboat/upthemast.htm
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Rob
Top Climber
What is it like.or what does it take to go down??....Im understanding up,,,but please highlite me on coming down. thanks
What is it like.or what does it take to go down??....Im understanding up,,,but please highlite me on coming down. thanks
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com
RE: installed steps
The other disadvantage to those steps is added weight aloft and added windage. LaDonna
The other disadvantage to those steps is added weight aloft and added windage. LaDonna
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Ed
Just reverse the process
To come down, stand on the loops to relieve the tension on the upper cam, the lower the upper cam to your waist. Lean back and put your weight on the upper cam which relieves the tension on the foot loops, then lower the bottom cam. Repeat the process till you reach the deck. QED. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
To come down, stand on the loops to relieve the tension on the upper cam, the lower the upper cam to your waist. Lean back and put your weight on the upper cam which relieves the tension on the foot loops, then lower the bottom cam. Repeat the process till you reach the deck. QED. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
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Debra B
clibming harness and 2 ascenders
Will do the same job as Top Climber, and may let you get closer to the top of the mast and still sit down. They are probably a little less fool-proof than the bosuns chair of Top clibmer. I haven't priced these (yet) but there are several folks in the marina who rolled-their-own, saying Top Climber was on the expensive side.
Will do the same job as Top Climber, and may let you get closer to the top of the mast and still sit down. They are probably a little less fool-proof than the bosuns chair of Top clibmer. I haven't priced these (yet) but there are several folks in the marina who rolled-their-own, saying Top Climber was on the expensive side.
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Nick
Heave Ho & Up She Rises . . .
This isn’t the safest way up the mast but I use two triple purchase blocks (expensive if you get good ones) and a lot of line. One block is hoisted via the main halyard to the top of the mast. The other end of that halyard is secured like it’s holding up a sail, only with some extra double half hitches for past transgressions. The Bosun's Chair hangs from a two foot leader (Type 7 parachute harness webbing) that hangs from the other block. I can then hoist and lower myself quite easily this way. I use another line around the mast when I stop. I also use the Jib halyard as a backup. The only tricky part is having to make fast the hauling line while maintaining some tension on it. I saw another set up that had a rope clutch arrangement, but I think I’d still make a knot somewhere . . . There’s a need to maintain some tension on the whole contraption to prevent tangles, especially offshore. You also need to control the running end of the hauling line, a rope bag works, because if it fouls when you’re up there . . . I’ve also seen people just use their traveler gear in a pinch. (If it’s beefy enough.) However you do it, be careful, carry a knife, and always have a Plan B. Nick “Julia Bell” C-27, #86
This isn’t the safest way up the mast but I use two triple purchase blocks (expensive if you get good ones) and a lot of line. One block is hoisted via the main halyard to the top of the mast. The other end of that halyard is secured like it’s holding up a sail, only with some extra double half hitches for past transgressions. The Bosun's Chair hangs from a two foot leader (Type 7 parachute harness webbing) that hangs from the other block. I can then hoist and lower myself quite easily this way. I use another line around the mast when I stop. I also use the Jib halyard as a backup. The only tricky part is having to make fast the hauling line while maintaining some tension on it. I saw another set up that had a rope clutch arrangement, but I think I’d still make a knot somewhere . . . There’s a need to maintain some tension on the whole contraption to prevent tangles, especially offshore. You also need to control the running end of the hauling line, a rope bag works, because if it fouls when you’re up there . . . I’ve also seen people just use their traveler gear in a pinch. (If it’s beefy enough.) However you do it, be careful, carry a knife, and always have a Plan B. Nick “Julia Bell” C-27, #86
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Don Hines
REI is a great source
Check out the REI store in Timonium on York Rd. I use an inexpensive climbing harness and two ascenders with some 1 inch webbing to 'copy' Top Climber for about $100.00. Works great and I feel very secure, I use a sliding knot on the mast as a self belay or saftey when I work by myself(taught line hitch). Three folding steps at the top make working there easier and safer. My 55' climb on our 40 Hunter is a long way up too. Don
Check out the REI store in Timonium on York Rd. I use an inexpensive climbing harness and two ascenders with some 1 inch webbing to 'copy' Top Climber for about $100.00. Works great and I feel very secure, I use a sliding knot on the mast as a self belay or saftey when I work by myself(taught line hitch). Three folding steps at the top make working there easier and safer. My 55' climb on our 40 Hunter is a long way up too. Don
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Bob Camarena
REI
Check out REI's on-line catalog (see attached link). You will need two "ascenders" and a climbing harness. The hardware will cost you about $150. The ascenders run $45-$50 each and the harness is $50 and up. If you already have a bosun's chair, you can skip the harness. The harness is probably more secure, but I'm not sure it would be as comfortable as the bosun's chair.
Check out REI's on-line catalog (see attached link). You will need two "ascenders" and a climbing harness. The hardware will cost you about $150. The ascenders run $45-$50 each and the harness is $50 and up. If you already have a bosun's chair, you can skip the harness. The harness is probably more secure, but I'm not sure it would be as comfortable as the bosun's chair.
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