"Top Climber" mast climber system

[IanGB]

Does anyone have experience of the "Top Climber" mast climbing system ? It is advertised by mailspeedmarine.com
I tried to get information from mailspeedmarine but it is too general and "sales" pitched. From what I can see it is a means of hoisting yourself up the mast singlehanded using a "jammer system". What I really want to know is how practical it is to use and whether it is realistic to self haul up a mast (I know how difficult it is to winch someone up !) - is it realistically useable for an only average fit 54 year old weighing 12 and half stone - or is it designed for gorillas ? Will appreciate any help. (I'm actually of course much younger, fitter and lighter than my "friend" on whos behalf I am researching !)


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[tome]

Ian

Welcome to the forum!

I use a Top Climber but it takes a certain knack to get the hang of it. The common mistake is to try to use it to 'climb the mast'. What you need to do is climb a taut line set away from the mast and work your way, slowly if not fit, up this. You can rest at any stage and admire the view. Like you I'm slightly younger and better looking than your friend.

Bear in mind that it's well-made gear, but you still have to climb.

I don't have a great head for heights, but serviced the mast head last year using one on a couple of occasions. Take a camera with you on your first visit aloft, you'll learn a lot from the pictures and they are a handy reference for the future. The kit comes in a bag which you can use to carry tools and gear to the top.

Use a safety harness when you get to the top. One advantage is that you can stand above the masthead, which means that you can get to bulbs, antennas, windvane etc.

My 23 year old nephew tried to climb it in a calmish sea. He gave up at the spreaders and came down bruised and demoralised! OTOH, I gather that Emma Richards used one to fix a halyard at the masthead in apalling conditions.

I was in the pub at the time.

Regards
Tom


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[waterboy]

Re: \"Top Climber\" mast climber system

I also have one and find it very useful. I feel very secure in it. I am 56 and have no intention whatsoever of declaring my weight other than no one is likely to want to haul me up in a bosun's chair. It takes me about 10 - 15 minutes to get to the top, resting at various stages. I have my static line close to the mast with my left leg stirrup to one side of the mast and the right to the other. This means I can push against the mast with my legs, aiding ascension.
It also helps to keep my teenager and her friends amused. They seem to enjoy the experience.

<hr width=100% size=1>I never make the same mistake twice. I always make new ones.

 

[ChrisE]

Re: \"Top Climber\" mast climber system

We have one and can only endorse the previous two posters.

I'm bigger than you in all measurements, with a very poor sense of balance yet I feel safe and secure. The chair is particularly comfortable for long periods up the mast. Mrs Enstone spent half an hour up the top sorting out a navlight problem and came down undamaged.

I'd recommend having someone with you so that they can lower you back down rather than climb down which is both a bore and b***** hard work.

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[Miker]

Re: \"Top Climber\" mast climber system

My crew who is younger than me at 60 quite enjoyed going up once he picked up the knack. We learned that the climbing rope must be taut and a little away from the mast bottom so that he did not get entangled with the spreaders. We operated it two man, but all I did was to control a safety line.

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[BrendanChandler]

Re: \"Top Climber\" mast climber system

I have used similar equipment and considered buying one as the Lady Admiral and I are planning a long trip and she could not haul up my heavy middleaged friend.

I opted for a pair of blocks and a piece of spare string so that using a 3/1 leverage I could easily haul myself to the top while she tails the end.

The idea is to haul a block to the top, attach the second block to my climbing harness or boson's chair and Bobs your auntie. The cost was about £100 but the gear could also be used to haul me on deck if I become a M.O.B. and there are a thousand other uses for blocks and string.

Brendan

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http://hometown.aol.co.uk/brendanchandler/index.html

 

[tome]

Re: \"Top Climber\" mast climber system

The Top Climber is not much more expensive. With blocks you'll be left hanging short of the masthead.

Have you tried your method in anger yet (ie all the way to the top)?

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[ianwright]

Re: \"Top Climber\" mast climber system

I have one and like it.
I'm old and fat with titainium knees, so I use mine as an extra inducement to attract younger fitter mast climbers,,,,,,,, "Just nip up and change this bulb would you? You might like to use this new bit of kit?"
People like new kit I find, and they like a pint or two of beer afterwards too,,,,,,,

IanW

<hr width=100% size=1>Vertue 203, Patience