MastaClimba questions

[Hadenough]

Not wanting to steal the other mast climbing post where I note another recommendation for the MastaClimba. I am on the verge of getting one and was about to post anyway to glean users experience. Two things that bother me are:
1. Sideways movement of the halliard that device is climbing. The halliard is fixed top and bottom and tensioned but how much sideways movement is there when under load?
2. I assume that descent is entirely down (pardon the pun!) to surging the halliard fixed to the bosuns chair so that on descent there is no redundancy / back up.

 

[knuterikt]

Not wanting to steal the other mast climbing post where I note another recommendation for the MastaClimba. I am on the verge of getting one and was about to post anyway to glean users experience. Two things that bother me are:
1. Sideways movement of the halliard that device is climbing. The halliard is fixed top and bottom and tensioned but how much sideways movement is there when under load?
2. I assume that descent is entirely down (pardon the pun!) to surging the halliard fixed to the bosuns chair so that on descent there is no redundancy / back up.

I have not used the MastaClimba, but I have a device that work in much the same way.
I use mine in assisted climbing, my wife can pull in the slack on the halyard while i climb. (Winching mew up is a heavy job)

1. Not rely a problem, you sit in the bosuns chair hanging on the halyard and use both your feet to lift yourself vertically.
2. We use two halyards attached to the bosuns chair for security, the MastaClimba is not a safety device it's a climbing device.

Note:
I have tried using ascenders with slings for the foot, but MastaClimba and other devices where you can use your both feet on a "stable" platform and lift it using your feet is easier to use.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Not wanting to steal the other mast climbing post where I note another recommendation for the MastaClimba. I am on the verge of getting one and was about to post anyway to glean users experience. Two things that bother me are:
1. Sideways movement of the halliard that device is climbing. The halliard is fixed top and bottom and tensioned but how much sideways movement is there when under load?
2. I assume that descent is entirely down (pardon the pun!) to surging the halliard fixed to the bosuns chair so that on descent there is no redundancy / back up.

Good points and if you are attending the SBS, I will be happy demonstrate all the tunes you can play with a MastaClimba.

Halyard tension (the halyard hauls up an ascent rope that is threaded through the guide tube - the halyard probably has an eye or shackle that would prevents its use on its own) normally should be a taut as possible at least to take out the stretch bounce. By the same token, pre-stretched rope helps.

A big advantage with using the Mastaclimba, at least two handed (i.e. someone on the winch taking up the slack) is that both hands are free and I recommend "hugging" the mast.
This stops you swinging away from the mast when the ship is rolling or pitching (which isn't a problem but the return trip can result in blood - very corrosive on anodising!). Thus sideways movement is minimal. Even single handed, one hand is free and is almost as effective.

However, a slack halyard has the accidental advantage of allowing you to push sideways and bring the spreader ends within comfortable reach.

In H&S parlance the MastaClimba is an aid to climbing and as such is not safety critical. It really confers no additional safety in its own right. I always, and recommend to others to do the same, wear a safety harness which is attached to a short line with an ascender on the other other end (Ascendeur by Petzl in my case). This I clip on to whatever is within reach (rope - not stays). In the event that I fall, that should save me. It is under my control and my ultimate safety depends on me and not the responsible actions of others.

The MastaClimba is left where you ceased climbing and can be brought down on the halyard when required.

As I have done with others, I can send you one to try with no commitment.

However, this treatise is bordering on advertising - so I'll stop!

 

[richardh10]

Graham kindly sent me one to try, and I have to say that they are very easy to use.

Sideways movement was minimal, because you just hold/cling on to the mast. Another advantage over using foot loops is that with the mastaclimba you can get that bit higher, enabling you to get at stuff at waist height rather than above head height.

Coming down is easy with someone else to lower you but even singlehanded it is not difficult. I managed, and I'm not exactly in the first flush of youth!

Top bit of kit in my opinion

 

[Hadenough]

Thanks all, looks like the way to go.

 

[RupertW]

I'm also looking at good way to climb the mast occasionally rather than being hauled up and don't want to rivet steps all the way up. Using the halyards as safety lines, and to let me down would be much better.

I've paid mast climbing fees to a couple of guys probably half a dozen times over the last 4 years for one thing or another and they have been good value per hour but an alternative would be welcome.

 

[RupertW]

I'm also looking at good way to climb the mast occasionally rather than being hauled up and don't want to rivet steps all the way up. Using the halyards as safety lines, and to let me down would be much better.

I've paid mast climbing fees to a couple of guys probably half a dozen times over the last 4 years for one thing or another and they have been good value per hour but an alternative would be welcome.

 

[afterpegassus]

....................... I always, and recommend to others to do the same, wear a safety harness which is attached to a short line with an ascender on the other other end (Ascendeur by Petzl in my case). This I clip on to whatever is within reach (rope - not stays). In the event that I fall, that should save me...................

Petzl ascenders are only designed to take passive loads. They are not intended for fall arrest. Amongst other reasons, under these circumstances the toothed cam can tear the sheath off your rope and strip it as you descend at an undetermined rate. Other reasons for many people not to use them is their ability to become jammed at the top (they require upward movement for release) and awkwardness for use in descent.
If you recommend their use, then you should ensure that adequate training is sought and their limitations highlighted otherwise you leave yourself very exposed.
Notwithstanding these comments, I use ascenders regularly, but have had many years of using the equipment.

 

[Graham_Wright]

Petzl ascenders are only designed to take passive loads. They are not intended for fall arrest. Amongst other reasons, under these circumstances the toothed cam can tear the sheath off your rope and strip it as you descend at an undetermined rate. Other reasons for many people not to use them is their ability to become jammed at the top (they require upward movement for release) and awkwardness for use in descent.
If you recommend their use, then you should ensure that adequate training is sought and their limitations highlighted otherwise you leave yourself very exposed.
Notwithstanding these comments, I use ascenders regularly, but have had many years of using the equipment.

Agree with everything. Having raised doubts in the past about Petzls and the damage they can cause, I have been referred to professional tests assuring me that they don't. I still don't like those teeth!

In terms of fall arrest I leave very little slack in my standby tether so any shock load should be minimal.

Yes, they are a pain coming down and several times on a two handed ascent, I have forgotten to release and been left hanging. As you say, you need to remove the load before they can be released. We don't any longer bother with the winch handle using the MastaClimba which means if I do end up hanging, Sue has to go below and the conversation ends up "try in the port locker then &tc"!

We have a clutch on the mast and the winch is self tailing. I can see from the top if the clutch is closed.

After hundreds of ascents, I am still not blasé. You only need one fall.