Flossdog
Member
Has anyone got folding mast steps and are they easy to unfold on the way up and fold on the way down? Thinking of the glass reinforced nylon type. Has anyone got any comments good or bad? Thanks.
Folding mast steps
- Thread starter Flossdog
- Start date
rogerthebodger
Well-known member
Yes I have glass reinforced nylon type that has been on my mast for 6/7 years now and in general unfolding in not too much of a problem but some times they do jam in the folded position if dust gets between the base an the arm. If this happens I just tap the arm upwards gently which normally frees the arm.
Use then myself 66 year old unfit male. I go up in a bosun's chair with SWMBO tailing the mast winch and me climbing the mast steps.
Use then myself 66 year old unfit male. I go up in a bosun's chair with SWMBO tailing the mast winch and me climbing the mast steps.
Blueboatman
Well-known member
I have stainless steel ones that fold out and 'capture' your foot like a stirrup.
I think they are fantastic .
Just once or twice I have caught the thin lazy jack down haul in one but no other quibble.
Very secure and easy to fold in or out as you pop up or down, tho I do clip on 'in harness' and v short leash at the masttop so I can lean back and have both hands free to, say change a bulb, inspect, or even replace rigging and arrangements...
I think they are fantastic .
Just once or twice I have caught the thin lazy jack down haul in one but no other quibble.
Very secure and easy to fold in or out as you pop up or down, tho I do clip on 'in harness' and v short leash at the masttop so I can lean back and have both hands free to, say change a bulb, inspect, or even replace rigging and arrangements...
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Andrew G
New member
I have a pair of the folding reinforced nylon ones 1.2m from the top - 16.5m above water. Makes reaching mast-top gear easier. No problems folding/unfolding. Comfortable even after 1+ hours. I recommend them. Andrew
Resolution
Well-known member
I have a couple of folding plastic ones on either side of the mast, to help with attaching main halyard. We do sometimes forget to fold them away and last year a genoa sheet caught one and broke it off. B****r!
They also flex a bit under my weight, which is a bit alarming. The flexing that is!!
They also flex a bit under my weight, which is a bit alarming. The flexing that is!!
NormanS
Well-known member
I have the stainless steel folding ones, (from Force4). They are excellent. Some require a gentle tap to open them, but no problem. I would always recommend steps, they give you complete independence, which is good if you are sailing in remoter parts.
Flossdog
Member
Thanks Guys, I'm gonna bite the bullet and get them fitted when the rigging is renewed shortly and the mast is horizontal.
NormanS
Well-known member
Good. You will not regret it.