How to inspect the top of the mast .....

[CPD]

The main halyard on Mr.T is chafing on something at the top of the mast and of course, a seized block etc may be to blame. The problem is that I would like to see it with ropes untensioned which will not be possible going up in a chair, esp with safety line etc. What I am thinking then, is a "cherry picker" (I think thats what they are called - a mini inspection platform on a crane-type arrangement) or some other sort of platform, who knows. If anyone needs to do something similar then more than willing to get together to split costs etc.. Looking to do this quite soon, along with a dry out against some posts that the kind Mr.FC has offered to oversee.

Any suggestions anyone ?

 

[Sixpence]

This any use ?

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&so...ISBS15cbcDYeOKgSQ&sig2=PFjQ2RpJH-KviPaIZuGUeA

 

[FullCircle]

Dont be a wuss. I will go up on two halyards, then we can loosen them one at a time to check the sheave blocks.

 

[pyrojames]

Go up the mast as per normal. Tie yourself off to the spinnaker bail, and then slacken off the halyards. Give them a foot or so slack so you can inpsect blocks, but make fast so you still have a safety back up.

 

[Wunja]

Connect the fore stay to the mast lowering gear, slowly let out the block until the mast is resting in the crutch (or crotch as you prefer) at the stern....
What do you mean, you don't have mast lowering gear????

Equally unhelpfully, there is a special mast climbing ladder on a turntable at our marina.

 

[Sixpence]

Somehow I get the feeling I'm the only non adventurous type here

 

[pyrojames]

I was considering how you could lay the boat on her side in the mud and get the top of the mast overa grass/sand bank and inspect it on a step ladder....

 

[FullCircle]

I was considering how you could lay the boat on her side in the mud and get the top of the mast overa grass/sand bank and inspect it on a step ladder....

No problem. Do it by Buxey No 1 buoy on a falling tide, and you can let the kids play with the seals while you are working.

 

[Saguday]

I was considering how you could lay the boat on her side in the mud and get the top of the mast overa grass/sand bank and inspect it on a step ladder....

Like it!

 

[Saguday]

Any suggestions anyone ?

Can't you float some of the little Tinkles up on balloons to have a look for you?

Personally I always send Mrs Kioni up the mast she seems to like doing that sort of thing (it's true too)

 

[MoodySabre]

Dont be a wuss. I will go up on two halyards, then we can loosen them one at a time to check the sheave blocks.

Let me know if you want some extra muscle - not that Jim is...

 

[FullCircle]

Let me know if you want some extra muscle - not that Jim is...

...heavy. Yes he is, but uses a shinning technique to lessen the load as much as poss.

 

[Wunja]

or attach a barrel of bricks to the other end of the halyard.

 

[Mandarin331]

or attach a barrel of bricks to the other end of the halyard.

One of the funniest i've ever heard - not quite the same though when not spoken by Hoffnung!

Not quite sure what the HSE would make of this nowadays.

 

[s/v moondancer]

Use a bridge

Anchor up-tide of a bridge that is 6 inches higher than your mast, have someone slowly let out the anchor while you are on the bridge and stop her just short of the bridge. If you choose a bridge lower than your mast you might have a problem if you pull the anchor.

Always wanted to do it but never had the nerve

Happy to try it with your boat.

Wear a lifejacket incase you fall