I am thinking of purchasing a Top Climber. I have used a boatswains chair sucessfully but it seems the Top Climber is easier to use for both the person going aloft and the person(s)doing the crainking. My new boat has more antennas that I have to remove in October and I think I can justify the extra cost. Anybody out there using the Top Climber? Feedback appreciated as always.
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TopClimber
Hello Pat -- I have used the TopClimber for several years and by now must have made 30 or 40 ascents up the mast. Although it is expensive, it is well made and does solve the problem of climbing the mast easily and safely. When I was doing the refit on my H-33 last year I remember one day going up 6 times. I am 74 and find it relatively effortless. My advice is to also invest in a new 1/2 inch braided Dacron line which you dedicate to this function. Best of luck up there -- Henry
Hello Pat -- I have used the TopClimber for several years and by now must have made 30 or 40 ascents up the mast. Although it is expensive, it is well made and does solve the problem of climbing the mast easily and safely. When I was doing the refit on my H-33 last year I remember one day going up 6 times. I am 74 and find it relatively effortless. My advice is to also invest in a new 1/2 inch braided Dacron line which you dedicate to this function. Best of luck up there -- Henry
Use what the proffesionals use.
Proffesional riggers use a 4:1 purchase vang with 150' of 1/2 multi-braid line, a bossum chair and a brake. You would hook up the the top block to your halyard and raise the halyard all the way up and cleat down. If you weigh 200 lbs you would only have to pull 50. If someone is helping you from deck it would be even easier. When you get up to where you need to be just set the line on the brake. When you are done, unload the brake and ease yourself down.
Proffesional riggers use a 4:1 purchase vang with 150' of 1/2 multi-braid line, a bossum chair and a brake. You would hook up the the top block to your halyard and raise the halyard all the way up and cleat down. If you weigh 200 lbs you would only have to pull 50. If someone is helping you from deck it would be even easier. When you get up to where you need to be just set the line on the brake. When you are done, unload the brake and ease yourself down.
Second the Top Climber
it isnt' quite as easy as it looks at the boat show, but pretty close once you get the hang of it. Only way I go up the stick. One note: when you first get it, going up is much easier than coming down - at least for me. I was alarmed that I couldn't seem to get down, but it just takes more coordination than going up.
it isnt' quite as easy as it looks at the boat show, but pretty close once you get the hang of it. Only way I go up the stick. One note: when you first get it, going up is much easier than coming down - at least for me. I was alarmed that I couldn't seem to get down, but it just takes more coordination than going up.
Kudos
Huge fan of the TopClimber. Recently had to go up where a bosun's chair would have been difficult; spare halyard was available and readily used to free a stuck mainsail. It takes a bit getting used to it, but really well worth the investment. You'll find plenty of positive reviews in the archives.
Huge fan of the TopClimber. Recently had to go up where a bosun's chair would have been difficult; spare halyard was available and readily used to free a stuck mainsail. It takes a bit getting used to it, but really well worth the investment. You'll find plenty of positive reviews in the archives.
Top Climber
I have had my Top Climber for 4 years now and love it. Everyone that has seen it wants one. I loaned mine to a friend for the Carabeen 1500 and he had to go up the mast twice. When he got back he bought his own. Gets easier every time you use it
I have had my Top Climber for 4 years now and love it. Everyone that has seen it wants one. I loaned mine to a friend for the Carabeen 1500 and he had to go up the mast twice. When he got back he bought his own. Gets easier every time you use it
Top Climber
I've had a Topclimber for 3 years and think it's great, after hurricane Charlie I went up the mast many times to repair the wind instrument and anchor light. Its a little work but managable. Henry you must be a hell of a man, being 74 because I get winded going up and down and I'm 57.
I've had a Topclimber for 3 years and think it's great, after hurricane Charlie I went up the mast many times to repair the wind instrument and anchor light. Its a little work but managable. Henry you must be a hell of a man, being 74 because I get winded going up and down and I'm 57.
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