Step installation on the mast...

[reserche]

Okay - next item! I spent today sanding and bringing back the aluminum hatches on the boat.. very very nice! I didn't think they could be revived..
Here's my next question: I cannot reach to the top of the mainsail when its down to put on the mainsail cover properly. Even guys way taller than me can't reach up there. I was consider - perhaps installing some sort of step on the mast. Have any of you done that? Let me know if you have any thoughts or tips on this. The top of the main isn't properly covered, and I'm worried about sun damage. You'd have to be about 7'3" to reach it, I think....

 

[Ed Schenck]

Very common. I see those folding steps on the lower part of the mast all the time. A simple installation with a good rivet tool. Much cheaper than a furling mast or boom.

 

[Jeff]

Be careful what you install. I have a pad-eye that we connect our wisker pole to and every once in a while we manage to snag a jib sheet while tacking. This requires a quick trip on deck to free up the sheet. Look for a low profile step.

Jeff
H33.5 1993

 

[reserche]

Be careful what you install. I have a pad-eye that we connect our wisker pole to and every once in a while we manage to snag a jib sheet while tacking. This requires a quick trip on deck to free up the sheet. Look for a low profile step.

Jeff
H33.5 1993

Thanks Guys...
I saw West marine out here has a step which folds flat. I'm going to get that one and see.... I just didn't want any connectors going into the mast and messing up the halyard in there, etc... In addition to things getting "caught" on it. I'm a former racer... so to me, there's nothing more aggravating then constantly having to go forward to unstick things! Grrr!

Gorgeous weather here though - been 80s! I'm thinking about a day sail tomorrow... Thanks for the advice!

 

[reserche]

Well, I had installed one of those folding steps- I haven't tried it yet, but - the sail is properly covered now- looks much nicer!!! And better, the sail is protected from the sun. We'll see if I need two steps, or if one will do.... I bought the folding, low profile type step at West Marine..