Where to Find Instructions for Mast Climbing Gear

[rardiH36]

I've been following the "Climbing the Mast" thread of the last few days with some interest since one of the few places/things on my boat that I have yet to have a go at are up the mast. No problems aloft that I know of yet, but it seems that getting up the mast (and back down again) is a skill that's good for a boat owner to have.

What is missing from the exchange is the actual construction of the self-hoist gear. Where can I get plans/instructions for making a climbing gear system? ... And then how to safely use it?

As usual, thanks for responses.

rardi

 

[ttxtowman]

REI

if there is a recreational equipment inc. store nearby they are very helpful and have quality equipment. not necessarily for sailing but rock climbing shares the technology. I use a rescue harness and loops of rope with a prussic not. I used to build TV towers and you have to get in some unusual places while building them. that is how I learned.

 

[bffatcat]

You need a bosuns chair. You can make one or buy one in most marine supply stores

 

[Chris Burti]

I have a different suggestion...it is just too simple and cheap for most sailors...so it may not interest many....you can google "Prusik knot" if you have a bosun's chair available.

Using this method, you use two knots. One with loops for your feet and one secured to the lift ring of the chair and both tied around a static climbing halyard tied off at both ends, parallel with and next to the mast.

Stand in the loops and pull up the chair knot, sit in the chair and pull up the foot knot by pinching the the climbing halyard below the knot with your feet wearing hard soled shoes. Repeat, inchworm style, until you arrive at the top of the mast. Going down is simple a matter of easing the ring knot and using your feet to push the foot knot down as you slide down rappelling style.

It is a real good idea to practice at deck level until you get it down pat. If you want to have a safety line, secure the chair to a second static halyard and push both knots as you climb.

 

[Alan]

Check out Petzl for climbing gear. Look for 'ascenders' and a 'footstrap'
http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/ascenders-0/ascension

BTW I recommend a climbing harness over a bosuns chair. No matter what, you CAN'T fall out of a climbing harness even if you were upside down and unconscious. Not so with a bosuns chair.

 

[F32]

http://technology.darkfrontier.us/Vertical/Frog/

http://www.karstsports.com/gogugefrsywa1.html

http://www.karstsports.com/petfrogassys.html

 

[rardiH36]

Thanks all for the tips and url links.

A REI sports store is located just a few miles away ...

 

[Royal Flush]

Great suggestion

I have a different suggestion...it is just too simple and cheap for most sailors...so it may not interest many....you can google "Prusik knot" if you have a bosun's chair available.

Using this method, you use two knots. One with loops for your feet and one secured to the lift ring of the chair and both tied around a static climbing halyard tied off at both ends, parallel with and next to the mast.

Stand in the loops and pull up the chair knot, sit in the chair and pull up the foot knot by pinching the the climbing halyard below the knot with your feet wearing hard soled shoes. Repeat, inchworm style, until you arrive at the top of the mast. Going down is simple a matter of easing the ring knot and using your feet to push the foot knot down as you slide down rappelling style.

It is a real good idea to practice at deck level until you get it down pat. If you want to have a safety line, secure the chair to a second static halyard and push both knots as you climb.

I'll practice this a little and will give it a go later this weekend

 

[William12213]

The Prusik knot is by far the cheapest way to go and it works very well. It is also very safe, the more force/weight on it the tight it holds on. They also are not going to cause any damage to your halyards.