Mast climbing systems?

moodyNick said:
I get the economics, but I would still prefer to buy a mate a pie and a pint than to get my own feet more than 3 feet above the deck.
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There is something quite satisfying about being independent, particularly if your ssailing is mainly "far from the madding crowd".
 
Two questions.

What would be the minimum diameter braided rope haliyard people would want to use to climb up?

Would you always replace haliyards on a second hand boat when you dont know the age or history of the haliyard, before usingit to climb?
 
OceanSprint said:
Two questions.

What would be the minimum diameter braided rope haliyard people would want to use to climb up?

Would you always replace haliyards on a second hand boat when you dont know the age or history of the haliyard, before usingit to climb?
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A 10mm rope would hold you fine, but a 12mm gives you more to grip and more faith!

In any case, you would need to belay yourself with another, independent line. Please don't just clip onto the shackle on the halyard though; tie yourself on with a double figure of 8. Always best to have A.N. Other to belay you, as there's someone else to raise he alarm if you get stuck for any reason. If you go it alone, just double up on ascenders and make sure you're clipped on to both lines before you unclip from one to descend.

Also, halyards can be quite stretchy, so it might be best to go and get yourself a decent abseiling line (which is low stretch) and haul it up to the masthead, pre-tension it on a mast winch, then climb. Oh, and take a bag of tools up with you. You'll inevitably need the one you haven't brought!

In the end, if it's too daunting, our rigger charges £25 for each ascent so I doubt one in your area is going to be too much dearer.

Good luck and stay safe.
 
OceanSprint said:
Two questions.

What would be the minimum diameter braided rope haliyard people would want to use to climb up?

Would you always replace haliyards on a second hand boat when you dont know the age or history of the haliyard, before usingit to climb?
Click to expand...

The minimum size of the rope depend of several factors.
Type of climbing device (If you use any kind of ascender it must get a good grip on the rope)
Breaking strength (lets assume the climber is 100kg)
8 mm polyester/polyester safety factor of 18
10 mm polyester/polyester safety factor 28
8 mm dyneema/polyester safety factor 39

I would never go up a halyard of unknown state, but it would be easy to pull out the rope for inspection and/or replacement.

I will always use two halyards, if not available I would look at other ways to secure the climber.

Internal halyards are safer than external, if the block fails you won't fall that far down.
 
Some threads refer to fear of heights. I really dislike heights and can't go near the edge of cliffs (SWMBO enjoyed the views of the Grand Canyon more than I did!) but I fetl totally safe in the Top Climber. The whole thing gives a feeling of security and with the spinnaker halyard as a safety I knew I was not going to dfall.
 
Graham_Wright said:
You should also try out the other half of the rig, i.e. the harness or bosun's chair. Chairs are designed to sit in not climb and you tend to slide out while ascending.
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Not all bosun's chairs are created equal
I use this with a complete shoulder/chest strap and thigh straps
1059003.JPG

Together with this
th_mastClimber-2.jpg

And have no problem climbing or falling out of the bosun's chair
 
knuterikt said:
Not all bosun's chairs are created equal
I use this with a complete shoulder/chest strap and thigh straps
1059003.JPG

Together with this
th_mastClimber-2.jpg

And have no problem climbing or falling out of the bosun's chair
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What make is the chair? It looks like my Compass one with the D ring defect sorted together with the chest strap that I added to mine to stop the shoulder straps sliding off.

It's not mine is it - I haven't seen it for a while!:rolleyes:

(I don't slide out of mine but when vertical, the slide is stopped by the goolies - not the best restraint!
 
Graham_Wright said:
What make is the chair?
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it's this one http://www.bms-shop.com/Accessories/BMS-Bosuns-Chair--209.html

Graham_Wright said:
It's not mine is it - I haven't seen it for a while!:rolleyes:
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:D I bought it from my local rigger, mine has his company logo sewn onto it.. http://www.southerncross.no/en/

Graham_Wright said:
(I don't slide out of mine but when vertical, the slide is stopped by the goolies - not the best restraint!
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This have two thigh straps - so its safe for male use also:)
 
I'm not sure what your point is, but when I use my mast steps, I wear either a harness, or if I'm going to be up for a while, a bosun's chair, and someone tends a hallyard.
 
NormanS said:
I'm not sure what your point is, but when I use my mast steps, I wear either a harness, or if I'm going to be up for a while, a bosun's chair, and someone tends a hallyard.
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The OP was about climbing single handed...
As often happens in these threads some prefer mast steps - I won't install but each to his/her own.

My point was that suggesting using mast steps without bother to write anything about secure use seems pointless.
 
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