Whether it's to retrieve a wayward halyard, hang a new spinnaker block, change a light bulb, or to just make sure all is well at the masthead, the need to go aloft is one that can't be ignored by most sailors. Blue water sailors routinely report their escapades aloft while sailing along at speed in one ocean or another. Yet many sailors have a great deal of anxiety or fear about this aspect of boat ownership and operation, even in the relative quiet of their slip. And the means to go aloft vary greatly. The traditional bosun's chair, which requires at least one other person to winch you up, continues to be widely used. A variety of "self-climbing devices" also seem to be gaining in popularity. These include both stepping devices and web ladders run up the mast track. Another popular means of getting to the top of your mast is to throw money at the problem by having the local rigging shop do the climbing while you watch, perhaps in awe, from the safety of the cockpit. How do you deal with the need to go aloft? Is this a routine event for you or one you dread? Have you ever done it? If so, how often do you go aloft and by what means? What works and what does not? Tell us your experiences going aloft, then take the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Quiz submitted by Warren Milberg)
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Never!
I usually have a friend go aloft for me. I would, but I am a tall, rather large person and I tend to worry about falling. Although, heights don't bother me, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I learned the proper method of going aloft from a rigger and have seen some people take a lacadaisical approach to doing it. This may be a good time (and opportunity) for someone to comment on the proper methods of going aloft.
I usually have a friend go aloft for me. I would, but I am a tall, rather large person and I tend to worry about falling. Although, heights don't bother me, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I learned the proper method of going aloft from a rigger and have seen some people take a lacadaisical approach to doing it. This may be a good time (and opportunity) for someone to comment on the proper methods of going aloft.
Top Climber and a
harness with safety line attached. Easier than I thought, although I don't do it any more than I have too. I'd consider paying someone in the right situation, but I'm generally a do-it-yourself-er, therefore not sure I could let someone else do it.
harness with safety line attached. Easier than I thought, although I don't do it any more than I have too. I'd consider paying someone in the right situation, but I'm generally a do-it-yourself-er, therefore not sure I could let someone else do it.
Top Climber
I've used a Top Climber for 6 or 7 years. Great way to easily go up the mast for maintenance, etc. Fact is, I'm going to go up this morning to install a new FirstStar LED anchor light. We have an electric halyard winch which makes using a bosun chair easy, but I would rather be incontrol of things and climb to the top myself. Bill
I've used a Top Climber for 6 or 7 years. Great way to easily go up the mast for maintenance, etc. Fact is, I'm going to go up this morning to install a new FirstStar LED anchor light. We have an electric halyard winch which makes using a bosun chair easy, but I would rather be incontrol of things and climb to the top myself. Bill
Going aloft...nope
When you think about the potential consequences of falling while going aloft -- there are no "soft" landings -- all I can think of is that this is a job for professionals. Sure, I like to do as much as I can around my boat, but not when I have to risk my life in order to replace a 50-cent light bulb. Money was invented in order to pay people to go aloft to do these things....
When you think about the potential consequences of falling while going aloft -- there are no "soft" landings -- all I can think of is that this is a job for professionals. Sure, I like to do as much as I can around my boat, but not when I have to risk my life in order to replace a 50-cent light bulb. Money was invented in order to pay people to go aloft to do these things....
I hate it
I hate it, but I go anyway. I use a bosun's chair and have my wife use the drum on the windlass to pull me up. Even though my 336 is not nearly the biggest boat in the marina, I have one of the tallest masts, as do most later model Hunter owners. I envy those shorter Catalina mastheads when I am contemplating a trip up.
I hate it, but I go anyway. I use a bosun's chair and have my wife use the drum on the windlass to pull me up. Even though my 336 is not nearly the biggest boat in the marina, I have one of the tallest masts, as do most later model Hunter owners. I envy those shorter Catalina mastheads when I am contemplating a trip up.
ATN Climber
I have used the ATN Top Climber on a regular basis. I appreciate Pete's observation that risking life and limb to replace a 50 cent bulb isn't for him, but it is for some of us, especially if done with care and prudence. I've found the Top Climber allows me to fix things when I want to, so it is convenient; its construction allows me to work at and above the masthead, which even most bosun's chairs won't allow; and I can take down my windex and wind instrument at year-end to keep them safe over the snowy winter. Not meant to be an ad for the Top Climber, but wanted other readers to know that, for those looking to be more self-sufficient, there is an alternative, supporting Bill and Don's thoughts. Paul
I have used the ATN Top Climber on a regular basis. I appreciate Pete's observation that risking life and limb to replace a 50 cent bulb isn't for him, but it is for some of us, especially if done with care and prudence. I've found the Top Climber allows me to fix things when I want to, so it is convenient; its construction allows me to work at and above the masthead, which even most bosun's chairs won't allow; and I can take down my windex and wind instrument at year-end to keep them safe over the snowy winter. Not meant to be an ad for the Top Climber, but wanted other readers to know that, for those looking to be more self-sufficient, there is an alternative, supporting Bill and Don's thoughts. Paul
Going Up
From first hand experience do not take this lightly. I did. March 25 I fell from the spreaders on my 28' S2. Three vertabral compression fractures. I was going up by myself, a bosn's chair on the boom vang, tied to the main halyard to change a spreader light. Apparently there is a sharp or rough edge up there somewhere. Rope broke, and I came down much faster than intended. My conclusions: Don't do this alone, if it can be helped in any way. Be very careful, and then even more careful. I went back up yesterday to get the halyard from the top of the mast. Went up on a friends boat and reached over with a boat hook to snag mine. No problem, and glad I got back on the horse that threw me, but you can believe I now have a totally different attitude about going up.
From first hand experience do not take this lightly. I did. March 25 I fell from the spreaders on my 28' S2. Three vertabral compression fractures. I was going up by myself, a bosn's chair on the boom vang, tied to the main halyard to change a spreader light. Apparently there is a sharp or rough edge up there somewhere. Rope broke, and I came down much faster than intended. My conclusions: Don't do this alone, if it can be helped in any way. Be very careful, and then even more careful. I went back up yesterday to get the halyard from the top of the mast. Went up on a friends boat and reached over with a boat hook to snag mine. No problem, and glad I got back on the horse that threw me, but you can believe I now have a totally different attitude about going up.
The chair
I have gone up but do not have my own chair. I just borrow my buddies (next slip). He has a good west marine brand one, but I will look at the ATN climber. I think that is my speed. I actually like it. I appreciate the view and like to tinker I guess. But then again, I have jumped out of every fixed and rotating wing aircraft the USMC owns so perhaps it is more of a sanity issue. Still I consider the risk miniscule when properly managed and controlled.
I have gone up but do not have my own chair. I just borrow my buddies (next slip). He has a good west marine brand one, but I will look at the ATN climber. I think that is my speed. I actually like it. I appreciate the view and like to tinker I guess. But then again, I have jumped out of every fixed and rotating wing aircraft the USMC owns so perhaps it is more of a sanity issue. Still I consider the risk miniscule when properly managed and controlled.
Like redundancy
I have never done this as we just purchased our Hunter 30 last year. However, the redundancy of a line + the top climber sounds good. Do you use the "top-climber" with the regular bosuns chair? Not sure how you righ this I understand you typically use the main halyard with the bosuns chair - in that case how to you rig the top climber? May be a stupid question, but I have no experience as to how you would set up to do this.
I have never done this as we just purchased our Hunter 30 last year. However, the redundancy of a line + the top climber sounds good. Do you use the "top-climber" with the regular bosuns chair? Not sure how you righ this I understand you typically use the main halyard with the bosuns chair - in that case how to you rig the top climber? May be a stupid question, but I have no experience as to how you would set up to do this.
you'll love this one
If I want to get it done fast I raise a 60' (56'mast) piece of 1-1/2" line with a spare halyard, put on my sailing harness which I hook to another halyard that is led to the primary and a helper, and climb like a monkey while the helper takes up the slack. I can get to the top in under a minute and almost anyone can work the saftey line. Plus that piece of line has come in handy in a couple ...sticky situations.
If I want to get it done fast I raise a 60' (56'mast) piece of 1-1/2" line with a spare halyard, put on my sailing harness which I hook to another halyard that is led to the primary and a helper, and climb like a monkey while the helper takes up the slack. I can get to the top in under a minute and almost anyone can work the saftey line. Plus that piece of line has come in handy in a couple ...sticky situations.
Easy Up
I use the Mast Mate on my Catalina 27. It takes about 5 minutes to set it up and you can be sure it is as safe as can be even before you ascend. I use it solo, and while I've not used it at sea, it would work just as well. Sure, you must have the main off the tracks, but if you need to do what needs to be done, you probably won't be under sail. I've even used my spinnaker halyard to hoist the Mast Mate when I changed main haylards once and the connection between the old and new ropes broke. I used to sky dive, so i am confident in the web design and the supporting systems. S/V Zydeco
I use the Mast Mate on my Catalina 27. It takes about 5 minutes to set it up and you can be sure it is as safe as can be even before you ascend. I use it solo, and while I've not used it at sea, it would work just as well. Sure, you must have the main off the tracks, but if you need to do what needs to be done, you probably won't be under sail. I've even used my spinnaker halyard to hoist the Mast Mate when I changed main haylards once and the connection between the old and new ropes broke. I used to sky dive, so i am confident in the web design and the supporting systems. S/V Zydeco
Blueskies question
ATN's website has an online video that shows how its done. I use the spare halyard because I have inmast furling. You don't use the halyard directly but rather attache the halyard to a dedicated static line. The halyard is raised and the static line secured at the bottom. The ATN climber IS the chair, but it is wise to attach a second line. Had an acquaintance who's son was very seriously hurt falling from a mast; so no matter how some of us make this sound, it is always very serious and very dangerous. Everyone - be careful.
ATN's website has an online video that shows how its done. I use the spare halyard because I have inmast furling. You don't use the halyard directly but rather attache the halyard to a dedicated static line. The halyard is raised and the static line secured at the bottom. The ATN climber IS the chair, but it is wise to attach a second line. Had an acquaintance who's son was very seriously hurt falling from a mast; so no matter how some of us make this sound, it is always very serious and very dangerous. Everyone - be careful.
25' MacG.. No can do...
25' MacGregor... can't do... not recommended! I drop the mast with at least two in help, (three is even better) and then pull the pin and wrestle the mast forward and do what has to be done.. then up she goes again... use my b.vang pulleys from the bow to pull her up with crew pushing and watching the stays for guaranteed fouling...
25' MacGregor... can't do... not recommended! I drop the mast with at least two in help, (three is even better) and then pull the pin and wrestle the mast forward and do what has to be done.. then up she goes again... use my b.vang pulleys from the bow to pull her up with crew pushing and watching the stays for guaranteed fouling...
Mast climbing
If you've ever seen someone fall from a mast he/she was climbing, it'll make a believer out of you fast. I saw this happen a few years ago. The result was a mess and wound up having lifetime consequences for the climber. I recently needed to have a new topping lift reeved to the top of my mast. The rigging shop did the job (using my line), for $35 in half and hour. And you really want to go up your mast? Who are we trying to prove what to and why?
If you've ever seen someone fall from a mast he/she was climbing, it'll make a believer out of you fast. I saw this happen a few years ago. The result was a mess and wound up having lifetime consequences for the climber. I recently needed to have a new topping lift reeved to the top of my mast. The rigging shop did the job (using my line), for $35 in half and hour. And you really want to go up your mast? Who are we trying to prove what to and why?
Do it right
Get a good bosun's chair; climber harnesses are great for short trips, but not for a one or two hour job; use a climber's ascender on a strong, spare halyard as a safety going up, and a rappeling device on the halyard coming down. Get a good bag for what you're working with and put a safety lanyard on everything. Use a bag with a closure rather than a bucket for pulling stuff up and sending stuff down... bag doesn't dump. Go slow, get comfortable before working and be careful. Keep your insurance up to date!
Get a good bosun's chair; climber harnesses are great for short trips, but not for a one or two hour job; use a climber's ascender on a strong, spare halyard as a safety going up, and a rappeling device on the halyard coming down. Get a good bag for what you're working with and put a safety lanyard on everything. Use a bag with a closure rather than a bucket for pulling stuff up and sending stuff down... bag doesn't dump. Go slow, get comfortable before working and be careful. Keep your insurance up to date!
Triple safety every move
I use the anchor windlass with a very competent wife to pull me up... very efficient. Also run the hauling halyard through a good spinlock, and always have a safety halyard, preferably with a locking device on it hooked to either a climbing harness or a sailing harness... something different from your chair. When working, have the hauling line both cleated and in the spinlock, tie off a short safety line to the mast, and keep your safety device on the spare halyard. The most dangerous time is when you START coming down and have to undo stuff... and your butt is asleep... go slow and always have a backup safety, either a rappeling device; a second hand on deck tailing a spare halyard, or both. ALWAYS have a backup safety line tied to something solid that YOU control. Fix it so that you CANNOT fall to the deck, no matter how inconvenient it may be working.
I use the anchor windlass with a very competent wife to pull me up... very efficient. Also run the hauling halyard through a good spinlock, and always have a safety halyard, preferably with a locking device on it hooked to either a climbing harness or a sailing harness... something different from your chair. When working, have the hauling line both cleated and in the spinlock, tie off a short safety line to the mast, and keep your safety device on the spare halyard. The most dangerous time is when you START coming down and have to undo stuff... and your butt is asleep... go slow and always have a backup safety, either a rappeling device; a second hand on deck tailing a spare halyard, or both. ALWAYS have a backup safety line tied to something solid that YOU control. Fix it so that you CANNOT fall to the deck, no matter how inconvenient it may be working.
Getting High (on the mast)
I go to the top of the mast of my 30-foot Hunter when necessary. I use a bosun's chair and someone winches me to the top, usually. Once, we tied a couple of lines to the halyard and tied the end to a Jeep and a buddy drove slowly and pulled me to the top. This was a little chancy so we did it only once. I got used to going high in a bosun's chair at Lockheed Georgia plant when I had to change light bulbs on the top of the B-47 vertical empennage (rudder) in the 1950's. Height is no problem for this 76-year old sailor. King Elliott, "King Louie"
I go to the top of the mast of my 30-foot Hunter when necessary. I use a bosun's chair and someone winches me to the top, usually. Once, we tied a couple of lines to the halyard and tied the end to a Jeep and a buddy drove slowly and pulled me to the top. This was a little chancy so we did it only once. I got used to going high in a bosun's chair at Lockheed Georgia plant when I had to change light bulbs on the top of the B-47 vertical empennage (rudder) in the 1950's. Height is no problem for this 76-year old sailor. King Elliott, "King Louie"
Wife Goes Up
Oday 23 and 26... I put my wife in the Bosun's chair and send her aloft using the main halyard and winch and use the jib halyard as a backup. She weighs in at a hefty 105 lbs so there is no issue with regards to stressing the hardware. While she is aloft this is also a great time to negotiate who mows the grass
Oday 23 and 26... I put my wife in the Bosun's chair and send her aloft using the main halyard and winch and use the jib halyard as a backup. She weighs in at a hefty 105 lbs so there is no issue with regards to stressing the hardware. While she is aloft this is also a great time to negotiate who mows the grass
King size guys
Most of my sailing buds are king size guys. We usually get one of the smaller, (read lighter,) guys to go up for us. Usually it is the price of a beer, unless it is complex work. First Light, Beneteau 331 @ Aqua Yacht Harbor ;D
Most of my sailing buds are king size guys. We usually get one of the smaller, (read lighter,) guys to go up for us. Usually it is the price of a beer, unless it is complex work. First Light, Beneteau 331 @ Aqua Yacht Harbor ;D
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