Steps at top of mast

[KAM]

I normally climb the mast using climbing gear but was thinking it might be useful to have a couple of steps at the top for a rest. I bought them a few years ago but not fitted yet. Has anyone else done this. Useful or a waste of time?

 

[footsoldier]

I have often thought it would be a good idea if you need to be up there for a little while - both to ease the discomfort of a harness/bosun's chair, as you suggest, but also to provide a means of bracing yourself if you need any leverage to undo a fitting.

 

[NormanS]

I made fixed steps for my mizzen mast, but used folding steps for the main mast. They are probably slightly better. Even if you're not going to fit steps for climbing, yes definitely fit a pair at an appropriate level for working at the masthead.

 

[veshengro]

I fitted four fold down steps on the wooden mast of my Gaff Cutter. They were heavy aluminium mouldings, quite stream lined when folded up and never caused any problems at all. I fixed the top pair at a height which allowed me to be above eye level with the Truck. I don't know how to highlight Photos, but the steps show between the Spreaders and the Mast Band> Standing on the steps with a lashing round my waist I could work with both hands on the light/masthead fittings.

 

[Sea Change]

I recently spent three hours at the masthead fitting a wind instrument. Steps would have been a huge help!
I couldn't actually reach the masthead using the bosun's chair because the design of mine has the attachment point to the halyards too high. So I had to use a climbing harness instead, which allows an attachment point right down at my waist.
I found that by slackening off the genoa halyard a little, I could get the top furler swivel to slide down a bit, and it was then a good height to use as a perch, allowing me to work relatively comfortably.

 

[PabloPicasso]

My bosun's chair has footstrops so I can stand up at the mast head.

It is a self climber type so I can climb and descend without help. I feel a bit like a a caterpillar going up, and it is an effort.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Absolutely invaluable, place so that your waist when standing is just about or slightly below level with the mast head secure yourself with a short strop around the mast and you can work there comfortably.

 

[dansaskip]

I fitted steps all the way up my mast, so much easier to climb the mast with them but I also use a climbing harness with a with a jammer tied off halyard as safety plus a sling or cows tail to clip on at the top so I can work hands free.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I fitted folding mast steps all the way up my mast and at the top.

The error I made was that I have twin back stays starting from the mast head so to need my mast steps at I height so I could straddle the backstays, so my crutch did not run on the backstays,

Only found out after I had fitted the mast steps

 

[Ray Purchase]

What ever you do, get a rivet gun that's man enough for the job. I did the whole mast and used a hydraulic one (hired), my hands are intact...just.

 

[geem]

My main mast has steps at the top. Really useful but make sure you place them carefully. The previous owner fitted mine but they are in a less than ideal location. Too close to the top. Ideally you want to be able to stand up straight with them and be able to see over the top of the mast to work on the nav lights, etc