Best bosun's chair?

[vyv_cox]

Best bosun\'s chair?

Can anyone please recommend, from personal experience, a really comfortable, safe bosun's chair? I have persevered with my old XM one for years but I have finally decided that enough is enough. Just before leaving the boat this season I spent about an hour aloft, with the result that the bruises on my legs and chest ached for a week. I want one with a solid base, with straps that don't crush my chest, with a tool bag that is attached to the seat and has some sort of closure that works. And with enough straps and buckles that I don't feel I'm going to fall out if I lean back. I'm getting a bit too old for masthead gymnastics and scares.

And yes, I know that climbing kit can work well for the purpose. That's not what I'm looking for, thank-you.

 

[savageseadog]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

They will all last a lifetime.

 

[tillergirl]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

The best bosuns chair I've ever sat in is the one that comes with the Swisstech Mastlift - see YM October , page 50. It was the RR or DBs of chairs. No crushing or any discomfort. Quite beyond anything I have experienced. Whether you can buy it separately from the rather expensive but very good mast climbing thing, I don't know.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

I cannot believe the poor design quality of everything I have tried. If only the manufacturer would spend (like you and I obviously have) an hour or two swinging on their chairs, they would surely return to the drawing board.

I am so frustrated that I am going to make one. It will have spread straps to avoid crushing, a padded bottom board that supports the thighs and adjustable straps to avoid falling out.

I really can't believe I can't do better than the "professionals".

 

[stav]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

Forget about bosun chairs, my boat came with a set of webbing steps that have slids that go in the sail track. They are brilliant can do a lot of stuff up the mast on my own: fitted new VHF ariel, radar, mast head light and general servicing. I only use one halyard but then have a simple safety harness that I clip on or around the mast when working. I am afraid I do not know the make but will have a look next time I am down if you are interested. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Anonymous]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

There is a recall out on an old-ish XM - see their website. They will replace or refund for you if yours is one of the dangerous ones.

I now have the XM Professional. Frankly, it is nowhere near as comfortable as I would have expected but it seems safe enough.

 

[vyv_cox]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

Thanks for the info. I had seen something about it in the press. Mine is probably 20 years old, so doesn't qualify. It does seem to suffer the same problem, though, stitching if I recall.

 

[vyv_cox]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

We agree, a super bit of kit. Rather pricy though, £108! See http://www.bluewatersupplies.com/mastclimb1.htm Would be nice to have it at somewhat less.

 

[savageseadog]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

There are a few diy harnesses you can make with a webbing loop.
Here's one

 

[charles_reed]

Good Luck, Vyv

in your quixotic quest.

I have not seen a bosun's chair in which I would risk myself.

There are two, IMHO, flaws in the concept of a bosun's chair.

1. The support point is below the CofG of the human body
2. They are inherently insecure

For many years I've used a proper climbing harness, which attaches at a safe point, just above the breastbone, which has 3 loops each side for tools or attaching a bag. Not only is it safer than a bosun's chair it's far more comfortable, having 3 straps to each leg to distribute the load and, properly adjusted, it's infinitely more comfortable.
Additionally, unlike a chair, you are free to assist the poor puller-upper by shinning up the pole.

OK it's a fiddle to adjust for different people and takes quite a time to put on.

When I'm by myself I use a tape mast ladder, quite risky, but quite feasible. I infinitely prefer the climbing frame.

Incidentally I'm now of an age when volunteers to go up the mast are easily forthcoming.
Actually I think they'd prefer to go up rather than haul me up!!

 

[retsina]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

Last year i bought a plastimo bosun's chair; i cant remember the price but it was a low cost model. Has solid base, adequate straps and pockets for tools, fairly comfortable. I have used it a few times, however, I would not like to be in the chair up the mast more than half an hour.

 

[silver-fox]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

Being of a build better suited to sumo wrestling than dangling from a mast head, one of my first purchases was to invest in a substantial and comfortable bosun's chair.

I bought mine form Banks Sails and it is their "A type" chair. I have spent an hour in it without any discomfort worth mentioning.

Its construction is such that you really feel you can't fall out of it, its generously cut with a firm base that adds to the comfort. It has two deep tool pockets that seal with velcro.

Seems to meet your spec /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Well worth the money IMHO.

Any questions pm me

I have managed to find the link

Banks bosuns chair

 

[LadyInBed]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

I find a home made 20mm plywood plank to be very comfortable.

 

[vyv_cox]

Re: Best bosun\'s chair?

Thanks to all who responded.

I like the Swiss-tech seat very much, tried it with the electric winch a few years ago and found it comfortable and ressuring. The Banks looks to be similar and costs about the same. I guess it will come down to trying each one first, if possible.

I have seen a few people using a plank as a seat. Definitely not for me! Especially as I use a Mastclimb, probably not possible, or quite difficult, without a strapped-on chair.