Habebty
Well-Known Member
I think I would prefer a Kinleven type ladder to get me up the mast but would possibly consider a Mastaclimba. Has anyone tried both or have an opinion?
Halyard Ladder or Mastaclimba Type Device
- Thread starter Habebty
- Start date
billyfish
Well-Known Member
I have a ex us navy stainless steel rope ladder. As long as you get it good and tight to the deck and foot one side to the other it's quite easy. Got off Ebay for £100
cpedw
Well-Known Member
I understand
but I'm struggling to make sense of
Could you clarify please?
billyfish
Well-Known Member
Ever been to a circus ? They go up to the top of the tent with no mast support. Tension so tight to the deck stops the whole thing wanging about and if you distribute your weight either side rather than using it like a ordinary ladder go straight up
Graham_Wright
Well-Known Member
No comment!
wizard
Well-Known Member
Enough said!
V1701
Well-Known Member
I got a Topclimber (same principle as mastaclimba) off ebay for £60, I found it difficult the first time but having now done it a few times I'd say it's pretty easy once you've got the hang of it. The secret is to really take your time and not try to go up too much each cycle. Having had a boat with mast steps before I think the ladder will probably be easier assuming, as has already been said, that it's well tensioned...
dankilb
Well-Known Member
As a non-climber (in terms of skills/training/kit - more so than willingness!), I like the idea of these ‘ladders’.
Presumably you still use a safety line to a harness or bosun’s chair? Would just a prusik knot/loop to a spare halyard suffice?
Presumably you still use a safety line to a harness or bosun’s chair? Would just a prusik knot/loop to a spare halyard suffice?
thinwater
Well-Known Member
No comment!
I'm forced to guess whether...
- You are too sarcastic to be helpful.
- You have not used either.
- You have not used more than possibly two methods (guessing on this one).
- You don't cllimb masts (guessing again--nothing wrong with not climbing).
The ladder type tends to be wobbly and physical to climb. The webbing sort (Mastmate) is more secure.
I've never used a Mastclimba or seen it used, since they are not sold or used in the US. It's not a solo method, but the principle seems sound and I'd like to hear what is wrong with it.
The bosun chair and winch method works on larger boats (hard work unless the climber is light and the grinder is burly), but on small boat the winches are too small, and I think that is the OPs case. Also, quite often the wife would have to be the grinder, the husband has eaten too many steaks, and the mass:arm ratio is wrong.
Whether a prusik knot makes a good safety depends on the materials and whether it is kept properly dressed. It can be very good.
penberth3
Well-Known Member
Oh dear, you're in a bad mood today.
rogerthebodger
Well-Known Member
Interesting
The key to Graham's No comment is the web site link in Graham's signature WWW. MASTCLIMBA.COM
Graham is th designer and manufacturer of the Mastclimba product.
I have tried mast ladders and don't like then due to I find then too difficult to climb and it means removing my mainsail from the mast track.
Folding steps for me as its easier with extending years and bad knees.
Poecheng
Well-Known Member
Peter,
I bought a Mastclimba at the end of last year and haven't used it yet.
You are very welcome to have a go when we can meet up again.
A
I bought a Mastclimba at the end of last year and haven't used it yet.
You are very welcome to have a go when we can meet up again.
A
Habebty
Well-Known Member
Thanks, that’s very kind.
thinwater
Well-Known Member
Ah. I'm an idiot. I beg forgiveness. No use puting a pretty face on it.
You can all pile on now.
----
I find the Mastclimba idea intriguing. I recall seeing some early versions years ago and wondering if the idea had legs (so to speak).
doug748
Well-Known Member
Never used a Mastclimba, nice that they use the strength of both legs to propel you up the mast.
To a certain degree you need good knees to get up a vertical ladder because the leg it thrown outwards, to some extent, as you step up. This is offset because you can use your arms on the upper rungs to haul yourself.
I bought a Kinleven ladder about 3 years ago, they are very well made. They are excellently presented with drying and storage bags and, as they are custom made, it carries the name of your boat. This would be a useful little thing to have when you come to sell the boat, however using it on any other yacht depends on the mast height and slides being compatible. The Mastclimba would be useful on any mast, or boat of course.
The ladders are not cheap but I have always used a similar thing. In the end I think it may just depend on what you are comfortable with.
.
AntarcticPilot
Well-Known Member
I have a Deffee ladder, the precursor of the KinLeven ladder, I understand. It's interesting that many of those on the same pontoon have asked to borrow it, even when it won't fit their mast track - it works fine provided there's tension on it. But using the mast track certainly makes it more stable. The treads are quite broad and comfortable. The only drawback which, I guess is the same for the MastaClimba, is that it''s a dead vertical climb; so unlike a house ladder, where the angle isn't vertical, you can't rest your legs.
I've never tried it, but the Deffee ladder also can be used as a drogue in rough weather! I can't see why it wouldn't be effective, provided there was a decent weight on the end away from the boat. Similar idea to a Jordan drogue.
I've never tried it, but the Deffee ladder also can be used as a drogue in rough weather! I can't see why it wouldn't be effective, provided there was a decent weight on the end away from the boat. Similar idea to a Jordan drogue.
Lucy52
Well-Known Member
For those on a budget: 
Thread the line through the foot board and secure the line at the base of the mast. Sit in a harness and raise yourself in a similar manner to the other systems with an ascender or prusik knot. You can descend on the safety line with a descender or prusik knot. You need to release the cam cleat from the foot board to lower it.
I believe I saw this in PBO once.
Edit, Seen Here, thanks to "knuterikt" :
'Interesting' mast climbing device on eBay.
Thread the line through the foot board and secure the line at the base of the mast. Sit in a harness and raise yourself in a similar manner to the other systems with an ascender or prusik knot. You can descend on the safety line with a descender or prusik knot. You need to release the cam cleat from the foot board to lower it.
I believe I saw this in PBO once.
Edit, Seen Here, thanks to "knuterikt" :
'Interesting' mast climbing device on eBay.
Last edited:
LittleSister
Well-Known Member
Why use ladders and other 19th century technology, when there's 20th century technology available?
mikegunn
Well-Known Member
Like V1701, I use a Topclimber. Unlike most other systems it is designed to be used without assistance. I've used it for more than twelve years and probably climb my mast half a dozen times a year. It's not the most rapid system but it is very comfortable and requires little effort. Sitting at the masthead or anywhere in between for say, a couple of hours, is quite doable too. The overwhelming advantage for me however is that I am in complete control of the operation. No problems with having to use a crewmember on a winch and the attendant communication difficulty that increases as one ascends beyond earshot.
Mike.
Mike.
thinwater
Well-Known Member
Just walk up the rope. At least twice as fast and your hands can be on the rigging or around the mast for stability in waves. He has them on the rope, but that is NOT required. I have used this method.
And note that you don't have to climb down! Of course, that feature can be adapted to other methods.
Rope Walking
And note that you don't have to climb down! Of course, that feature can be adapted to other methods.
Rope Walking
