Does anyone have any tips or tricks for getting up the mast alone. I know ATN makes one, but it is 400$ and I already have a bosuns chair.
Any input is appreciated
Any input is appreciated
Inexpensive Self Mast Climbing Setup.
- Thread starter Bowedtoothdoc
- Start date
There is lots of rock climbing gear out there. Just be sure you know what you are doing. Things like safety knots must be done correctly.
Even with help you can get in trouble if everyone doesn't have their job down. One time my adult son was belaying me and when it was time to descend he tried to reverse the wrap around the winch the wrong way. Fortunately I noticed before starting my decent.
Ken
Even with help you can get in trouble if everyone doesn't have their job down. One time my adult son was belaying me and when it was time to descend he tried to reverse the wrap around the winch the wrong way. Fortunately I noticed before starting my decent.
Ken
I would say put in mast steps. This way you do not need a second person belaying, although it is wise to have one. Yeah, mast steps are a little on the expensive side but they will always be there.
http://www.goodoldboat.com/reader_services/articles/upthemast.php
http://www.goodoldboat.com/reader_services/articles/upthemast.php
Two (climbing) ascenders (@ $70), two locking carabiners (@ $10), a harness (~$50) and a loop of webbing ($5) is all that is required to climb to the top. This would cost you just over $200. But you have to know how to use the gear.
And even if you have all the pieces, it makes a lot of sense to have a helping hand in case you get into trouble (e.g. when you get stuck at the top).
The general rule is that when you work, you never hang yourself off a single line. So you use one line to climb and the other (with the helper) for safety.
And even if you have all the pieces, it makes a lot of sense to have a helping hand in case you get into trouble (e.g. when you get stuck at the top).
The general rule is that when you work, you never hang yourself off a single line. So you use one line to climb and the other (with the helper) for safety.
make one
I made a system just like ATN and use my bosun chair and got most of the parts on the internet and did have some of the parts and had a canvas shop sew the leg straps from strapping I already had and got used ascenda's.
Was less than half the price so shop around for bargains and also looked on the internet at climbing forum's for learning skills and info what and how to go up
and look at sailrite.com for demo of climbing with ATN and I have climbed the mast many times and mine copy works real good but a lot of work for sure
and don't forget to have a backup line for safety and be careful it's a long way down.
Nick
I made a system just like ATN and use my bosun chair and got most of the parts on the internet and did have some of the parts and had a canvas shop sew the leg straps from strapping I already had and got used ascenda's.
Was less than half the price so shop around for bargains and also looked on the internet at climbing forum's for learning skills and info what and how to go up
and look at sailrite.com for demo of climbing with ATN and I have climbed the mast many times and mine copy works real good but a lot of work for sure
and don't forget to have a backup line for safety and be careful it's a long way down.
Nick
Thanks guys for the replies. I did some rock climbing and repelling in my younger days, but nothing recently. I have a friend at my marina that has a climbing setup that has offered to let me check it out. Definitely have safety at the top of my list.
I made one of these climbing boards. It works good, but I do use a second person to main halyard tight as i go up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLoG0Zg8yOo&index=12&list=FL6GbOcnW1h9gGqwJdTKGH7A
Or portable mast steps
http://www.mastmate.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLoG0Zg8yOo&index=12&list=FL6GbOcnW1h9gGqwJdTKGH7A
Or portable mast steps
http://www.mastmate.com/
Substitute a prusik knot for the ascenders and the system is cheaper and safer, but slower and more tiring.
http://www.animatedknots.com/prusik...ge=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
If no one else mentioned it. Using an ascender type device. It is easier to climb if you anchor the bottom of the rope.
Todd Smith
http://www.animatedknots.com/prusik...ge=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
If no one else mentioned it. Using an ascender type device. It is easier to climb if you anchor the bottom of the rope.
Todd Smith
ATN also sells a somewhat less expensive version that doesn't include the harness - you provide your own bosuns chair. I used it last winter to install a radar scanner and tv antenna - total 16 solo, unassisted trips up the mast! I rigged a separate static line, and slid a safety line with a Prussick knot attached to a harness as a safety line, up or down as I went.
I have the ATN Top Climber and purchased it used (but never used, so it was essentially new) so I got a deal on it. If it wasn't half the price as new, I would have made one. The system works well when you are alone (should always try not to be) and can also be used as a traditional chair.
or there's always:
tie halyard around neck belayed in Admirals hands - for safety, strip down to shorts or better neked and shimmy on up....
tie halyard around neck belayed in Admirals hands - for safety, strip down to shorts or better neked and shimmy on up....
Thanks Everyone! The ATN unit without the chair is still 250$ so I am going to try and put together something less expensive on my own. I hope everyone has a great and safe holiday weekend! We have a raftup scheduled tonight through Monday and weather is looking perfect!
I've actually just used rope, but had help.
I made 2 foot loops and attached them to a halyard.
I attached a second and third halyard to a climbing harness (A boson's chair may work here too).
To go up I stood on the foot loops and had an assistant pull up the slack on the harness halyards. Then sat in the harness and had them pull the foot halyard up. In this way I inched up easily. To go down they just lowered me by easing lines on the winches.
This required 2 assistants (one for working and a safety belay person) but it was pretty easy on the rig and I wasn't worried about falling.
Ken
I made 2 foot loops and attached them to a halyard.
I attached a second and third halyard to a climbing harness (A boson's chair may work here too).
To go up I stood on the foot loops and had an assistant pull up the slack on the harness halyards. Then sat in the harness and had them pull the foot halyard up. In this way I inched up easily. To go down they just lowered me by easing lines on the winches.
This required 2 assistants (one for working and a safety belay person) but it was pretty easy on the rig and I wasn't worried about falling.
Ken
I've always used a block and tackle set up of at least 5 to one. It requires plenty of 1/2" line and very good quality blocks, but it is the safest and most secure system for going aloft alone, IMO, even at sea. However, when it comes to my safety aloft, I don't think cheap is the way to go. 5 to 7 times the height of your spar plus two very high quality, frictionless blocks are probably not going to come out all that much cheaper than $400.00, but the set up should last you the rest of your sailing career.