Mast cleaning/buffing... without climbing?

[jonelli]

This may seem like a silly question, but I can't get either of my two helpers to clean/wax the mast for me, and neither will haul me up there. So either I've gotta get up there by myself, or find another way. I've tried a homemade mast ladder and couldn't move when I got to the top from muscle exhaustion, so that won't work either.
I was thinking maybe I could fabricate something from a piece of thick leather that is somewhat rigid and attach some kind of buffing cloth to it. Attach some rope to either side of it so I can move it back and forth, spray some wax cleaner on it, hoist it up and wipe it back and forth and up and down a bit to get rid of some of the oxidation.
Anybody know if this already exists or just a stupid idea?

I have a blue mast is why this is bothering me. You can see the oxidation.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I don't have a blue mast or your particular issue, but I will offer these possibly less-than-helpful suggestions:

1. Get more helpful helpers.
2. Hire someone to do the work; write a check.
3. Drop the mast and work on the ground. Also a good time to check all of the rigging too.

IMHO and experience, oxidation will not disappear with simply using wax or cleaner wax. I liken it to a blue bootstripe oxidation and the best success I have had with that is wet sanding with 800-1200 and then applying wax. Anything else I have tried has produced minimal results.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Some of the new ceramic coatings may produce better results, but I'm with Rich, the only way to make a good effort and not just pee into the wind is to drop the mast. Then attend to everything.

 

[sail sfbay]

Agree with Rich Stidger & Justin_NSA!!

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I can't get either of my two helpers to clean/wax the mast for me, and neither will haul me up there.

Maybe they just need a little encouragement ...........................

 

[All U Get]

Ratlines to the spreader then folding steps to the top. That might make the climbing easier but I'd agree with the rest. I had a friend crank me with our right angle drill so I could wash the spreaders so they would look white again, but I did see some extensions for a power washer that would reach the lower one. Good luck.

 

[DougM]

I have a mast climber and bosun’s chair.Easy climb once you get the hang of it. I use one halyard for the mast climber and the other on my harness with someone on deck belaying.

 

[Justin_NSA]

There are ways to go up, but trying to apply pressure to clean and wax will be a YouTube moment

 

[JamesG161]

Is your blue mast Anodized Aluminum?

If yes...
1) Wax is temporary.
2) Oxidation is a good thing for Aluminum Masts
3) Never buff off the intended protective Aluminum oxidation.

If there are nicks or scrapes..
You can fix them by the right Oxidation Chemical.

Jim...

 

[thinwater]

• Buy proper climbing equipment and learn the method. It should be easy on such a short stick, so something was very wrong. Proper gear does cost money.
• Squint and don't worry about. Boats don't need to be shiny.