Going up the mast...

[T37Chef]

Next week I am going to be headed up the mast primarily to install my new EZ Jax system on the spreaders, mast, and boom. This is my first time, so while I'm up there dangling around heres what I was going to check/inspect. Please advise on anything I may have missed...or should do.

1. Spreaders connection at mast
2. Anything screwed, bolted, etc. into mast for corrosion/tightness
3. The anchor, strobe, & running lights
4. Wind vane
5. VHF Antenna and its wiring
6. Halyards

Thanks

Note: The rig was inspected by the surveyor at purchase but not since (summer of 05) and everything was ship shape.

[1970Columbia34]

Not on your topic but is there a reason that you picked ez-jacks over the Jiffy Jacks i am trying to pick one of the 2.

Scott

[sailingdog]

You should also check the following:

Steaming/foredeck light
Masthead sheaves
Shroud and stay tangs

[T37Chef]

Saw them at the Annapolis boat show. I choose it primarily because there is no need to retrofit anything. The EZ Jack system retracts when not in use (when raising the main and after it is stored). I have heard several who found that the lazy jack catches the battens, this system eliminates that. I purchased the package that allows you to control it from the cockpit as well.

The price was right too...although someone here said they could rig the same system for $30...? I doubt that? Someone always tells you after you buy something they could do it for less

Thanks agaon Dog...you da man!

[Sailormann]

Just a suggestion...before you haul yourself up in the bos'n chair, if you haven't already done it ... you might want to load the chair up with some weight close to your own and haul her up to make sure that everything is strong enough and properly rigged...

[T37Chef]

WHY?








Great tip...now, if I can only find enough stuff that weighs 200 lbs.


Must exercise more, must exercise more...

[sailingdog]

LOL... I feel sorry for the poor bastard that has to haul you up the mast... Don't forget to use a second line as a safety line... don't want to see a chef splattered all over the deck in the news...

One thing I've found useful when working in a bosun's chair is a belt to put around the mast, so I don't swing around as much. In the case of a fall, it might help as well... since it would tend to slow you down a bit... especially when it hits the spreaders...

[cpcohen]

I rigged a retractible set of lazyjacks. Including the line, it was probably about $75 for a 36' boat. Line, s/s rings, s/s u-straps, two cheek blocks, two plastic cleats -- it adds up.

The EZ-Jacks are more elegant, though.

Charles

[Columbia9_6]

I weight 190. I went to a rock-climibing store and bought two ascenders. My wife uses a winch as a safety line and I haul myself up with. It works wonderfully.

[jackytdunaway]

Is it EZ-jacks or EZ-jax. i have been thinking about a sail flaking system and was wondering the pros and cons?