Topclimber

seadaddler · Jul 28, 2016

I have Inmast and so I use my topping lift and secure the end that is connected at the end of boom and and the end through cockpit clutch and on the winch as tight as possible.
Don't forget a back up halyard for safety.
Nick

dziedzicmj · Jul 28, 2016

You can use a shackle at the bitter end of the halyard to attach to the organiser at the foot of the mast.
Use a spare halyard (spin?) as a backup safety.

mdz

kjretlaw · Jul 29, 2016

I have a Mast climber as well and secure the bitter end to the mid ship cleat, then crank down the topping lift really tight. This lets you gear up sitting on the coach roof and get by the boom as well. I bring the spinnaker halyard around and use it as a safety line attached to a diamond climbing harness. I haven't had issue with any of the blocks and I'm 240lbs. The admiral tends to the safety line. It works well take your time getting up and down.

Joe · Jul 29, 2016

I have one... they recommend a dedicated static line... 7/16, I believe. If you're a big guy, wear loose fitting clothes or shorts... you must have a somewhat strong core. It is not necessary to have the line super tight. Watch the demo videos and you'll see what I mean.

I acquired the gear a few years ago but found that it was too difficult for me.... I'm a big guy... So I have rarely used it.... I am curious about the system that uses webbing ladder steps that slide into the mainsail track. Anyone have feed back on that?

dziedzicmj · Jul 29, 2016

Ken13559 said:
the organiser (plate) at foot of mast is where I've several blocks for the running rigs to run thru to cockpit right? Is it strong enough?

It better be. Your blocks are turning the loads from a couple of halyards, a vang, possibly the mainsheet, the outhaul etc. Your weight should be insignificant compared to all these loads.

Marek

dziedzicmj · Jul 29, 2016

Joe said:
I am curious about the system that uses webbing ladder steps that slide into the mainsail track. Anyone have feed back on that?

You still need a harness (bosun's chair) to hang in. The webbing ladder would only help you in getting up - it provides better footholds than a ascender on a line. You still need to be reasonably fit to climb the mast with it. A friend uses one. I don't find it that much better (easier) than a simple line, two ascenders and a harness.

Marek

Keith13315 · Jul 29, 2016

I have one and I always secure it to a cleat

berner73 · Jul 29, 2016

Got one and do the same as Kjretlaw; secure the line to the deck and crank tight - it's much easier to climb when tight. Then we bring the Spin halyard over as a safety line. I'd recommend you wear gloves, hard(er) soled shoes (the stirrups are a bit uncomfortable on the feet), and bring a bag up for tools and some line in case you forget something and need to have it sent up. Ours came with a seat and clip on bag, the bag works well if not a little too deep. I've included a couple shots to show the overall setup. I'm 6'2" and about 190lbs - not a tough climb either direction, but I find coming down more awkward than going up. Doesn't feel natural to "inch worm" in reverse I guess. Oh, bring a camera...

woodster · Jul 29, 2016

Joe said:
I am curious about the system that uses webbing ladder steps that slide into the mainsail track. Anyone have feed back on that?

i have one and really like it .....it even has a work /safety belt with a tool bag if i am working on the lights at the spreader i just hoist it to that height and lock it off and climb to there and do my work ....if i need to be up top i hoist up there and go up and do my work ....i use the safety belt when i am up there keep my feet in the stirrups and lay back on the belt like a lineman does and work away ....i am 70 years old and have no qualms about it ...and will use it till i can't climb any more ....the height of my mast is 39 ft 6 inches