Any tips on how to reach flybridge front coaming when polishing.

[sharpness]

Seems a strange question to ask, but do any of you have any tips on how to access the flybridge front coaming when polishing it. (Pic attached of area in question). Boat is Princess 45, and although im 6ft, even at full stretch i can only reach about a third of the way up when standing at the edge of the windscreens, and approaching from flybridge over the screens doesnt improve situation due to the fly screens.
Thanks in advance for any hints or tips.

 

[rafiki_]

I have to climb onto mine to polish. Similar height to you. All a bit precarious with the rotary polisher.

 

[andy59]

I have a P42 (same layout) , i tied a heavy line just above screen hight to the hand rails on either side then just sat on the roof to polish with a precautionary foot/leg hooked into rope to stop me sliding down screen, started from the centre and worked out to each side trying to stay off the areas already done as it becomes super slippy with obvious results .

 

[NoIllusion]

Easy!.......purchase a piece of neoprene (wetsuit material) approx 1.5 metre square. Lay on roof above windscreen and sit on it!!.......you will not slide off!. Cut and polish an area......then move around. Simples!!!

 

[jrudge]

I have a P42 (same layout) , i tied a heavy line just above screen hight to the hand rails on either side then just sat on the roof to polish with a precautionary foot/leg hooked into rope to stop me sliding down screen, started from the centre and worked out to each side trying to stay off the areas already done as it becomes super slippy with obvious results .

Bare feet seems to work.

I have seen a lot of people in mallorca "run" up the front screen to get to that area / flybridge.

The screens are tough - a big wave will be heavy - but you wont find me trying it any time soon! The forum post - i broke my screen by walking up it could only be met by what were you thinking!

 

[andy59]

Easy!.......purchase a piece of neoprene (wetsuit material) approx 1.5 metre square. Lay on roof above windscreen and sit on it!!.......you will not slide off!. Cut and polish an area......then move around. Simples!!!

Excellent tip Dave , was for a moment thinking i could wear my old shorty wetsuit do do it but in a nanosecond thought better of it, way to much pontoon piss taking for my liking

 

[Murv]

I have to climb onto mine to polish. Similar height to you. All a bit precarious with the rotary polisher.

+1. that's what I do. It's not too bad for the polishing, but the waxing gets progressively more dangerous as you go!

 

[Hurricane]

Yes - non slip material works but it is a bit scary.
We call that area the "eyebrow".
Also, I manage to get a small step ladder (folded) into the companionways either side - leaning against the outside of the saloon/lower helm.
Then I can do the sides of the eyebrow by standing on the steps.

 

[scubaman]

That neoprene is sound advice. I used a door mat with a rubber sole which worked too.

 

[benjenbav]

Yes - non slip material works but it is a bit scary.
We call that area the "eyebrow".
Also, I manage to get a small step ladder (folded) into the companionways either side - leaning against the outside of the saloon/lower helm.
Then I can do the sides of the eyebrow by standing on the steps.

Mike, having seen the lifting device you made to load your rib for transporting it to Spain I am seriously disappointed not to see some pix of an A-frame towering over Jenny Wren with you suspended from a climbing harness applying a polisher to said eyebrow area. Next winter's project, perhaps? :encouragement:

 

[Bouba]

 

[Marine Reflections]

Ha! Yeah that guy can reach it..

Good shout on the neoprene, I use wetsuit boots but with the addition of glass lifting suction pads at various points to get a foothold.
There is a certain amount that usually gets done from below and the rest from the flybridge.

I've removed the perspex screen before and that allows a little more access from above, but all in a very tricky job to do safely with a polisher.

 

[sharpness]

Cheers all for the replies. Some good ideas.
So to sum up, i need a length of secure rope to attach to guardrails, some wetsuit material, and a harlem globetrotter

 

[AndieMac]

Full safety harness, which are quite cheap to buy and readily available these days are a good way to take a few degrees of nervousness out of climbing around on high, slippery upper deck areas.
Obviously you need to find a super secure attachment/weight bearing point, like the base of a pedestal flybridge seat.
They are a little bit weird to wear and the metal clips add extra weight dangling around in front of you, but I prefer it to the slip and fall option these days, my crash and recovery rate isn't improving as I age....

 

[MapisM]

my crash and recovery rate isn't improving as I age....

LOL, do you mean that you used to make this sort of stress tests often, when you were younger?

 

[AndieMac]

LOL, do you mean that you used to make this sort of stress tests often, when you were younger?

Ha, yes I've learned the hard way, but trying to be old and slightly more clever these days....not always working mind you

 

[JefO]

Two bath mats work well for me.

 

[Hurricane]

Mike, having seen the lifting device you made to load your rib for transporting it to Spain I am seriously disappointed not to see some pix of an A-frame towering over Jenny Wren with you suspended from a climbing harness applying a polisher to said eyebrow area. Next winter's project, perhaps? :encouragement: