[Stormer]

I have a cheapo solution that works very well.

Go to a camping store and get a rock climbing harness (about $35). Get 3 caribiners (those rings, about $8 each) and three lengths of webbing (also pretty cheap). Get two lengths of climbing rope equal to the height of your mast. Also get 3 Petzl Tibloc Ascenders (about $20 each).

One length of webbing should have enough length so you can tie to loops for your feet (one on each end). When you have done this the overall length should be such that, when standing with a foot in each loop, the center comes up to your crotch. Tie one of the caribiners into the center at crotch level.

The two other lenghths of webbing should be a little shorter than your arms length. secure one side of each to the harness and the other to a caribiner.

When you want to climb the mast, tie a bowline in each length of line and run each to the masthead using the main and spinnaker halyards. Standing at the base of the mast, put your feet in the foothold webbing you created and attach the caribiner on that webbing to one halyard using one of the ascenders (get the guy in the climbing shop to show you this, it''s really simple but hard to describe in words). Then, above that point attach one of the harness webbing caribiners to the same line using another ascender. Attach the second harness webbing caribiner to the other line using the third ascender.

When you want to climb, simply slide the harness caribiners up both lines as far as they will go (one is a safety). Then just "sit down" - slide the caribiner/ascender assembly up the line and just "stand up". Then slide the harness caribiners/ascenders up and repeat. To come down do the opposite. Once you get the hang of this you can move up and down the mast pretty quickly.

You can probably make this arrangement up for about $150 to $175. The gear is all made for climbing - so it is very secure. Additionally, you will be much more confortable in a climbing harness than any bosuns chair. you will also be much more secure than hanging off a ladder.

Good Luck

Stormer