Granny Bars/Mast Pulpits

[mariadz]

Despite having in mast furling and hence all lines run back to the centre cockpit, we decided to add mast pulpits or granny bars to our Moody 54. There will be times when we need to get to the mast and it is conceivable that it could be in bad conditions and an emergency so the more safety the better. Actually not a difficult job, just wanted them in keeping with the rest of the boat and secure.

https://mariadz.com/2017/09/06/were-getting-old-mariadz-zimmer-frames/

 

[Tradewinds]

I notice you used East Coast Stainless.

Would you recommend them? Is their workmanship up to Mr Stainless standards?

What are their prices like in comparison to the other stainless fabricators around Ipswich?

TIA :encouragement:

 

[mariadz]

I would recommend East Coast Stainless very highly. The quality of the design and workmanship has been excellent in everything they have done for us. I personally think they are one of the best in the area.

We have found them very reasonably priced, I certainly don't think they are charging a premium despite the quality of their work. The only thing I would say is that, as you would expect for a small company that are very good, they are incredibly busy. So if you are not in a mad rush for the work to be done, I would strongly recommend them. On the other hand, a friend of mine had some urgent work that needed doing and they jumped on it straight away.

They also did our solar frame:

https://mariadz.com/2017/09/01/brin...-a-spoilercar-porthelipadtea-traysolar-power/

that is some very good work and I am looking forward to some other stuff they are doing for us - will share as there is more information.

So in conclusion, recommend them as long as you can work with them on the timetable, quality is excellent and pricing is very good too.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I would recommend East Coast Stainless very highly. The quality of the design and workmanship has been excellent in everything they have done for us. I personally think they are one of the best in the area.

We have found them very reasonably priced, I certainly don't think they are charging a premium despite the quality of their work. The only thing I would say is that, as you would expect for a small company that are very good, they are incredibly busy. So if you are not in a mad rush for the work to be done, I would strongly recommend them. On the other hand, a friend of mine had some urgent work that needed doing and they jumped on it straight away.

They also did our solar frame:

https://mariadz.com/2017/09/01/brin...-a-spoilercar-porthelipadtea-traysolar-power/

that is some very good work and I am looking forward to some other stuff they are doing for us - will share as there is more information.

So in conclusion, recommend them as long as you can work with them on the timetable, quality is excellent and pricing is very good too.

In ny view the design of the solar panel frame looks a bit flimsy as there is no cross bracing and I don't understand why the panels are so high above the davits.

This is my solar panel support made from 50mm dia stainless tube and braced by connecting to the side push pit frame.

You can just see my granny bars st the bottom of this pic.

 

[mariadz]

In ny view the design of the solar panel frame looks a bit flimsy as there is no cross bracing and I don't understand why the panels are so high above the davits.

This is my solar panel support made from 50mm dia stainless tube and braced by connecting to the side push pit frame.

You can just see my granny bars st the bottom of this pic.

Interesting view.

To answer your questions:
Each panel is supported on all sides by the frame which is rigid. The panels are quite light weight at less than 15Kg per panel. I have not seen any flex in the structure despite people leaning into it/ hanging from it etc when fitting the panels.

As for the height, interestingly it is the same height as the picture you posted of your setup. There were a couple of reasons for this. Firstly that we wanted to be able to use the passerelle if we are moored stern to and secondly, again similar to yourself, we wanted the opportunity to have more shading from the bimini to the solar panels. From an aesthetic perspective, I think it will be easier to tell when we have a side on view when anchored but I think the fact that we balanced the length of the bars with the davit legs will make it look balanced. We also didnt want to pushpit mount the solar because our pushpit isn't the strongest even after adding a brace to the davits. Finally, we discussed what diameter stainless to use and decided against going to 50mm, we didn't think we needed the additional strength.

 

[Topcat47]

I think "granny bars" at the mast are a good idea for any "large" sailing craft. No room for them on Snark, but I can clip onto both Starboard and port baby stays when working at the mast. I really feel exposed up there if I'm reliant on the Ladyjacks and guardrails.

 

[mariadz]

Agree topcat47. Although the in-mast furling should mean we don't go to the mast as often as when we had slab feeding, you can guarantee that when you need to get up there it will be important and in terrible conditions. I'm hoping that this change will effectively free up a hand to do the mast work because you can brace within the mast pulpits.