Ratlines on a sloop

[Roach1948]

I was thinking of adding a set of ratlines on a fractional sloop so that I could get atleast 3/4 of the way up the mast. It is just one of the improvments I have on Roach to get her ocean spec'd. I know gaffers often have them, but maybe it is a mistake on a 4.5" mast with tensioned rigging with a 15 stone bloke climbing up them?

 

[BobnLesley]

I've seen a few with rat lines rigged, though I have the same concerns as yourself; probably irrationally as I regularly rig a hammock between mast and forestay without qualms.

 

[cliffordpope]

I'd have thought the normal and occasional wind forces would vastly exceed the strain imposed by a mere 15 stone? A rule of thumb is that the rigging one side of the mast should be capable of lifting the entire deadweight of the vessel.

Ratlines, like deadeyes, easily fall into that category termed "theatrical" by John Leather.

 

[Mukes]

[ QUOTE ]
It is just one of the improvments I have on Roach to get her ocean spec'd.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds intrepid - what are you planning then?

 

[Roach1948]

Nothing as yet, but maybe a trip to Amsterdam for starters.

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

[ QUOTE ]
Ratlines, like deadeyes, easily fall into that category termed "theatrical" by John Leather.

[/ QUOTE ]

But bloody useful along with polarising sunglasses........ /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Roach1948]

Mhh, jammed sail slides can be quite theatrical too, as can hoisting yourself on block and tackle by yourself (I single-hand)! I dont want Roach to look like a pirate ship but I have come to the conclusion that low-profile ratlines are not such a bad idea for quickly going up the mast.

 

[DownWest]

WeightWatchers could help on the tension. And as for the deadeyes, all the rage in modern fibres. A Canadian co. is doing modern plastic ones for the Spectra keen.
Andrew

 

[absit_omen]

Is the 15 stone pre, or post, Adnams?

 

[Roach1948]

Probably pre!

 

[Roach1948]

Would anybody know the best way of attching them?

 

[Peterduck]

The classical way is to have an eye [spliced, of course!] in each end of the ratline, and this is siezed to the shroud with tarred marline. I'd recommend a wooden ratline between each rope ratline, to prevent the shrouds from being pulled in toward each other. The wooden ratline would have a slot sawn in each end for the shroud to house in, and a bolt and nut through the ratline to clamp it to the shroud.
Peter.

 

[Seagreen]

I'd only add to this by saying that maybe you want to have solid wooden ratlines at the bottom and at a convenient point at the hounds, and then every two or three rope "rungs" as it were. You need to make sure you can fit your feet comfortably at a standing point at the hounds- bare feet on thin rope is not comfortable so make the top bar comfortably wide as you'll want to stand on this for a few minutes, and you might like to have a further ratline (or could it be a catharpin?) between the shrouds and the forestay to provide a triangular foothold if there is not enough room between the shrouds?

One wood bar every other step could add a bit to the windage.

As for John leather - 'nuff respec' but who made him God?

This is one of my "next year" projects for Cleone. This may also mean ditching the old galv bottlescrews and switching to deadeyes. Still thinking about that one.

Will you post pics of the result, please?

 

[cliffordpope]

[ QUOTE ]
As for John leather - 'nuff respec' but who made him God?



[/ QUOTE ]

I think he was really getting at the impulse to retro-apply traditional features to boats that are too small, so that they end up looking like pirate ships in an adventure park.

I certainly feel that urge myself sometimes. Even though my boat was built in about 1880 it is only 21 feet long, so I drew the line at deadeys and masthoops but decided a retracting bowsprit and topmast made practical sense.
I can see the practical sense in ratlines, although I think the boat would fall over if I actually tried to climb them.