Mast steps on carbon fiber mast?

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I'm told this isn't practical but wonder if anyone out there has any real experience.

We have an elec halyard winch but being hoisted up lacks the sense of security you get with actually being able to step on something.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has them on a carbon stick or knows of someone who does.

 

[woodster]

I'm told this isn't practical but wonder if anyone out there has any real experience.

We have an elec halyard winch but being hoisted up lacks the sense of security you get with actually being able to step on something.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has them on a carbon stick or knows of someone who does.

Don how would you fasten them to the mast ...cant use pop rivets they will pull out ...cant use screws....same thing will happen ...might work if you could get heavy gage finder washers on the in side and through bolt them on...it may be cheaper to get one of those mast climber things and use that......

regards

woody

 

[Guillaume C.]

I suggest you go to www.boatdesign.net forums and ask there, hopefully Eric Sponberg will gives his opinion (he is a naval architect with much experience on fibers mast).

Personally I would not add unnecessary holes in a carbon mast, laminating steps could be a solution... but much more work. MastClimber work fairly well for the rare time I need to go up there

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Thanks guys. I'll chck with the boat design folks.

I had dismissed mechanical means in favor of lamination but lost in the specifics

 

[Jackdaw]

Epoxy a thick piece of G10 fiberboard to the step location, and mount the step to that. Don't drill 100 holes in your carbon stick!!

 

[splax]

I have been wanting to try a "mastmate" that hoists up the mains'l track. It is supposed to be a pretty secure means to ascend. I don't know, but it sounds like you have an excellent reason to try it.

 

[DougMc]

I have been wanting to try a "mastmate" that hoists up the mains'l track. It is supposed to be a pretty secure means to ascend. I don't know, but it sounds like you have an excellent reason to try it.

My neighbor has one and I saw him use it. Winch and chair would be safer in my view. Use a second halyard as a safety.