Has anyone gone up the mast? I want to replace the windex and replace the mast head light-bulb but don't want to go thru the trouble of taking the mast down. Am I crazy for suggesting that?
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No problem
I bought a bosun's chair recently and have been up my mast (36' Catalina) four times recently doing different projects. It hasn't been a problem at all...just have had 2 competent people running the halyards (yeah I used two and taped the locks shut). I had a great view!
I bought a bosun's chair recently and have been up my mast (36' Catalina) four times recently doing different projects. It hasn't been a problem at all...just have had 2 competent people running the halyards (yeah I used two and taped the locks shut). I had a great view!
Why not?
That's what bosun's chairs were made for! And take Steve's suggestion on having two people help haul you up - one winching, one tailing. I have heard of a number of folks rigging up climbing gear and heading up there on their own. Eeek! LaDonna
That's what bosun's chairs were made for! And take Steve's suggestion on having two people help haul you up - one winching, one tailing. I have heard of a number of folks rigging up climbing gear and heading up there on their own. Eeek! LaDonna
I only weigh 175 lbs, but ...
Maybe it requires two people and two halyards ?? My crew tried to winch me up in a bosun chair last week but could hardly get me off the deck. He is a strong mate but, eventually, the line kept slipping on the drum, even with three loops! Don't know what causes this. Anyone any idea? If not, did anyone try to do a lift with a block that cuts the load in half? I imagine the halyard would need to connect to the block way up front in order to have enough room between it and the winch (i.e. close to the length of the mast).
Maybe it requires two people and two halyards ?? My crew tried to winch me up in a bosun chair last week but could hardly get me off the deck. He is a strong mate but, eventually, the line kept slipping on the drum, even with three loops! Don't know what causes this. Anyone any idea? If not, did anyone try to do a lift with a block that cuts the load in half? I imagine the halyard would need to connect to the block way up front in order to have enough room between it and the winch (i.e. close to the length of the mast).
Lightweight Alternative
Chris, Since the ballast for a C-22 is only 500+ pounds at 3-5 feet, and you would be 100+ pounds at 30+ feet, make sure you have both sides of the boat tied of fairly tight and secure to the dock (if the boat is in the water). If you are on the hard, just make sure the boat is secure and won't have any chance of rotating on its mounts. I send one of my children up to do the masthead fly work! Once they get over the initial apprehension, they fight for the opportunity and think it's an amusement park ride. I clip them into a climbing harness and I work the halyard. Or...just lower the mast! Good luck. Brad s/v Worthless Crew 1972 C-22 SK
Chris, Since the ballast for a C-22 is only 500+ pounds at 3-5 feet, and you would be 100+ pounds at 30+ feet, make sure you have both sides of the boat tied of fairly tight and secure to the dock (if the boat is in the water). If you are on the hard, just make sure the boat is secure and won't have any chance of rotating on its mounts. I send one of my children up to do the masthead fly work! Once they get over the initial apprehension, they fight for the opportunity and think it's an amusement park ride. I clip them into a climbing harness and I work the halyard. Or...just lower the mast! Good luck. Brad s/v Worthless Crew 1972 C-22 SK
I agree with Brad
Chris: I agree with Brad, about the weights and the moments. A few summers ago, we also had to replace our anchor light. We just lowered the mast with the boat in our slip. It wasn't a big deal at all. I think we did use the same wooden crutches that plug into the gudgeons that we use to raise and lower the mast on land. Make sure you use the main sheet's blocks attached to the forestay to give you plenty of mechanical advantage, and it will be easy. I had pulled my wife up to the spreaders years ago, using about a 20 foot piece of webbing to make a seat, but that was about far enough, the boat did rock a lot with her at that height. Aldo
Chris: I agree with Brad, about the weights and the moments. A few summers ago, we also had to replace our anchor light. We just lowered the mast with the boat in our slip. It wasn't a big deal at all. I think we did use the same wooden crutches that plug into the gudgeons that we use to raise and lower the mast on land. Make sure you use the main sheet's blocks attached to the forestay to give you plenty of mechanical advantage, and it will be easy. I had pulled my wife up to the spreaders years ago, using about a 20 foot piece of webbing to make a seat, but that was about far enough, the boat did rock a lot with her at that height. Aldo
be careful
You need to be careful. I one went up the mast on a hunter 23. One I got to the top, the guy at the winch moved to one side (he was about 250 lbs). I thought we were going over. luckly once he noticed his mistake, he moved back to the center of the boat. It was an exciting ride. I would now just drop the mast. It is much safer.
You need to be careful. I one went up the mast on a hunter 23. One I got to the top, the guy at the winch moved to one side (he was about 250 lbs). I thought we were going over. luckly once he noticed his mistake, he moved back to the center of the boat. It was an exciting ride. I would now just drop the mast. It is much safer.
up the mast
I have climbed the mast by wrapping my legs around the mast and pulling myself up using both halyards (like climbing a rope). Not the best method but it is nice to know it can be done in an emergency. Luckily I am not afraid of heights....only widths
I have climbed the mast by wrapping my legs around the mast and pulling myself up using both halyards (like climbing a rope). Not the best method but it is nice to know it can be done in an emergency. Luckily I am not afraid of heights....only widths
up the mast
My 14 yr old daughter raises and lowers the mast with her 12 year old sister. NO FOOLING! It's that easy. I wouldn't climb the mast on the 22, I'd just lower it, it's a good way to inspect the rigging and hardware at the mast head as well, (since you don't lower the mast anyway.) I think the righting arm isn't great enough to be safe. Campy
My 14 yr old daughter raises and lowers the mast with her 12 year old sister. NO FOOLING! It's that easy. I wouldn't climb the mast on the 22, I'd just lower it, it's a good way to inspect the rigging and hardware at the mast head as well, (since you don't lower the mast anyway.) I think the righting arm isn't great enough to be safe. Campy
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