Mast climbing systems?

[Koeketiene]

Is there any way to hoist yourself up the mast?
I seem to remember seeing something like that advertised some time ago.

What is it? Where to get it?
Does it work?

 

[rob2]

There are a number of different ways of climbing a mast single-handed. Some people use climbers' ascenders, there is a simple piece of kit with foot stirrups and a rope cleat which is used with bosun's chair (so you need someone to tail the line of the chair) and there is a variant of the chain hoist which is hoisted to the masthead and then used to lift yourself. For myself, I use a webbing ladder which has sail slides and allows me to climb alone - albeit with a safety line. Being able to climb by making all the effort yourself is a good thing, but an assistant tailing a safety line is doubly useful should anything jam whilst you're aloft!

Rob.

 

[nickf]

Can recommend this course which is also run in conjunction with the CA. Trains you in the use of climbing equipment (ascenders - descenders ) as well as the opportunity to try other designs. All of us on the course preferred the climbing equipment to the other designs.

http://www.highersafety.org/special-courses/

 

[jimi]

the best answer for a non climber seems to be TopClimber. However as I've already got climbing gear so I use it!

Works by securing a line and then using equipment to ascend / descend the fixed line, I usually also have a second line running through a krab on my harness as a fallback /safety line .. I can demonstrate to you at some point whilst socialising the puppy ;-)

 

[Vara]

Correction

Second the CA climbing course. Very useful.

I bought a Topclimber does what it says on the box.

http://topclimberinternational.nl

If the instructions are followed especially as regards climbing rope tension, it is very easy to use.

Find it easier to use and set up than the commercial kit Barney uses on his CA course, but admit I was alone in this view.

 

[pvb]

I've got a Get-Up Mast Ladder ( http://www.hurst-marine.co.uk ), a substantial webbing ladder. Have to confess I've never used it though...
.

 

[Vara]

The kit as used on the CA course.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

I've got permanent steps ... they work and no, the genoa, the halyards and the sheets don't get caught on them! ... and you don't swing around all over the place!

 

[colind3782]

I've got a Get-Up Mast Ladder ( http://www.hurst-marine.co.uk ), a substantial webbing ladder. Have to confess I've never used it though...
.

I have one, arrived three weeks late, didn't fit the mast (despite accurate measurements. I suspect that I got a "stock" one after hassling for delivery) and was nearly impossible to use. I brought it back from the boat and keep meaning to put it on Ebay.

For sale anyone?

 

[Graham_Wright]

... and you don't swing around all over the place!

……and that is a very important point! It is different at sea than alongside.

 

[SteveSarabande]

With the price of mast steps I am thinking that they are cheaper than some of these systems

 

[NormanS]

I too would recommend mast steps. Saves a lot of faffing around. I have fixed ones on the mizzen, and folding ones on the main. Both types are excellent.

 

[Mrnotming]

The boat is on a he hard,Think I'll hire a ladder?Is this a too simple idea?

 

[doug748]

I've got a Get-Up Mast Ladder ( http://www.hurst-marine.co.uk ), a substantial webbing ladder. Have to confess I've never used it though...
.

I have a similar thing.

They work ok but you tend to put an unfair loading of the knee joints so you need to be in good order and not too porky or too advanced in age.

My mast climbing days are coming to an end but if I was in the market I would look at the Topclimber, anyone know how much they are?

 

[Poignard]

I've got a Get-Up Mast Ladder ( http://www.hurst-marine.co.uk ), a substantial webbing ladder. Have to confess I've never used it though...
.

I also have one but have never had to use it. (Perhaps I ought to practice with it in case I ever need it).

I once lent it to another boatowner but the slides wouldn't fit his track. Even so, his son climbed it with the slides not in the track and didn't seem to have any problem. Mnd you that was in Bembridge harbour!

 

[Vara]

I have a similar thing.

They work ok but you tend to put an unfair loading of the knee joints so you need to be in good order and not too porky or too advanced in age.

My mast climbing days are coming to an end but if I was in the market I would look at the Topclimber, anyone know how much they are?

About £240, come up on ebay from time to time, mine cost £150.

 

[nigelmercier]

I don't like heights, so I did a lot of research into this, the only one that looked safe is the MastaClimba. I tried it at the Boat Show, very stable and easy. And they were developed by a member of this forum.

Single handed ascent details here: http://www.mastaclimba.com/id68.html

 

[antares]

I bought a Deffee mast ladder last year and have used it three time so far. It's a great bit of kit, simple and quick to rig and because of the rigid steps I'm sure must be more comfortable to stand on and find your step than the webbing variety. Easy up and down without assistance. Only drawback could be that you really need your mast track available, can't have mainsail up at the same time. You can get up over the top of the mast to work by standing on the top step and I'm pleased to have it on board.

 

[Koeketiene]

I've got permanent steps ... they work and no, the genoa, the halyards and the sheets don't get caught on them! ... and you don't swing around all over the place!

This had been my original thought.
However, ...
1. A forumite who has these installed commented on the increased windage and that it also had an effect on the ability to point to windward.
2. I have several quotes to install fixed steps - the lowest quote was in the region of £1.5K (19.6mtr mast).

Whatever I get, it must be able to be used singlehandedly.

 

[xyachtdave]

Mast steps - I'm assuming these are used in conjunction with a strop of some sort around your waist?