Mast Ladders

[Torrence Jenkins]

Up to this point in time, most boat purchases have worked. I mail order because there is no marina or chandlery that sells just sail parts. I bought a mast ladder about 6 months ago. I tried it out the first time yesterday and found out it is a lemon. I have used bos'ns chairs before but I wanted something that I could use by myself. Forgot about it. I hoisted this thing up and was impressed witht the overall look of it. I had my screwdrivers in my back pocket, and I proceded to climb. Maybe on the fourth rung I realized this was not going to be easy. First the ladders rungs shrink when you step on them making the next foot placment extremly difficult. I also weigh about 190, so upper body strength is very important. It reminded of one of the marines obstacles. About spreader height, I was very tired. I stopped to catch my breath, and was still exerting energy to cling for dear life. Needless to say I came back down which was another chore because I was very hard to find the next rung. Totally fatigued I made it to the boom, and got off this thing. What I realized is there would be no way I could work on threading a haylard or installing anything up there without putting yourself in danger. For me this was a waste of money, and I will be looking at buying a bosn's chairas soon as I sell this thing on e-bay. The betting will start at $5.00 dollars.BTW, if you have great upper body strength and you are part monkey, this product might work for you.Cheers.TJ

 

[R. Palaia]

Harness

I've never used a ladder, but I think it wasn't designed to do alone. I think you still need a harness with a halyard connected to it and the person at the winch grinds the halyard up with you. You now can let go with your hands to do the work. Also, the person grinding doesn't have to hoist up your whole weight because you help out be climbing the ladder. I see what you mean about the wrungs. My understanding is that there are 2 kinds. The mast ladder has "slings" and Captain Al's ladder has ridgid steps. Maybe the ridgid kind is better???Roc

 

[Patrick Ewing]

Mast step ladder

I have a webbing type mast ladder which I like just fine. It is only 35 feet and so I cant go all the way up the mast on our 37.5 but it works great for me. I find that it is best to tie the bottom of it to the boom and stretch it as tight as I can with the halyard otherwise it is a little springy when I step into it. I wear a full harness as well and have someone on deck to keep it tensioned for safety and comfort while I do my work aloft. I would trade you my bosun chair any day.Let me know if you are interested.Patrickpatrick.ewing@juno.com

 

[Jim Rushing]

Looking at Mast Ladders

Looking at both the rigid mast ladder where you have to push the pieces up the slot and the loop version which also goes up the track. Which version are you having problems with? Also trying to locate a safety belt to loop around the mast in order to rest. This is done by leaning back into the belt. It allows you to rest your arms from time to time. It could be fastened to a spare halyard, if you have one.