AWOL Windex

[mikehibb]

Last trip to the boat I noticed that my windex had blown off, so looks like a journey up the mast next trip for some one. At least the Taktik is still there.
Not been up top before, however when we fitted the takik I was winch monkey hauling another guy up. Thnking I might like to try it myself this time. Might change the mast head bulb and check the antenna too whilst up there. Must remember to take my camera too.
Anything else I need to remember to do? Is there any special preservative grease that I should be putting on any fittings whilst I am up there?

 

[MarkJohnson12345]

If you are thinking of changinga working bulb, just make sure the replacement works, ie test it before you change it.

I thought I was being clever changing the mast head bulb whilst the mast was down.

Alas it was duff. I had the go up the mas with a replacement bulb. That was duff as well. Guess what bulb is there now....

Yes the original that I took out.

Guess the chandler must have had a batch of duff bulbs...

He walks with a limp now!!!

Just joking /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I never have a spare hand for cameras, so good luck with that.

 

[samwise]

Have a look at the halyard sheaves and spacers. Sometimes the pulley edges get damaged and in turn fray the halyard. You can get a special spray to lubricate the sheaves. I'd also have a look at the rig as you go up, especially spreader attachments and rigging attachments to the mast.
You will need to organise some kind of stirrup for your feet so that you can stand up and reach the very top. DO rig a safety line and don't rely on snapshackles -- proper seamanlike ( or climbing knots) are the answer. I think one of the yachting mags ( sounds like a Dick Everitt piece) did an item about mast climbing fairly recently.

 

[RobBrown]

Re using knots, rather than shackles, agree this advice. I believe a number of assessments showed that double figure of 8 knots reduced the breaking strain of ropes least, so that is what I use.