up the mast.....

DLM · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

Well, I did it... duh .... lowered the sail, hooked the halyard to the rail (or thought I did.) Pulled on the halyard to tighten it up... wasn't thinking/paying attention... halyard wasn't hooked to the rail securely... sure enough the whole darn thing went to the top... Grrrr... $$$$$ Grrrr... I know, it doesn't pay to be stupid.... Mast light needs fixing anyhow...question... is there a "best" climbing system... other than hiring someone?
Butch

Idiens · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

The usual solution is a second halyard and a bosun's chair - plus a strong friend to winch you up, or a small friend who you can winch up.

If available, use a third halyard as a safety line.

Of course, if you want to be like the Southern Ocean freaks, you can use a mountaineer's climbing harness and go up a tightly tethered halyard.

rheaton · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

I recently also lost my halyard up the mast. I was able to retreive it from the deck using a long poll/snare. I constructed a poll using my boat hook lashed to my fully extended spiniker poll. I attached a snare line to this. For the loop I tied a hangmans noose. This worked ok after a few tries. Good luck.

DLM · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

Thanks, guys. My second halyard is attached to the jib/furler... will most likely have to get that one down.... mast is 49' up....not sure I can find a pole long enough to reach that rascal???
Thinking about installing LED light.... so, maybe the best way this time around would be to pull it??
Butch

camaraderie · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

Pulling the mast to retreive a halyard and install an LED light is a time consuming and expensive way to do it. (Assumin you already have masthead wiring for the light.)
Suggest you:
1. lower your headsail and use the jib halyard and a bosuns chair to go up the mast.
2. Use your topping lift and bosun's chair to go up the mast.
3. Hire someone to do it. Cheaper than hauling and dis-masting!

sailortjk1 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLM

Thanks, guys. My second halyard is attached to the jib/furler... will most likely have to get that one down.... mast is 49' up....not sure I can find a pole long enough to reach that rascal???
Thinking about installing LED light.... so, maybe the best way this time around would be to pull it??
Butch

Going up the mast should be routine.
You should get used to doing it.
No need to pull the mast for a lost halyard.

gershel · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

Get an ATN Topclimber, and go up the mast anytime you want, without waiting for help. There have been many posts writen on this subject, try searching.
I've had one about 7 years now, and I've gone up as much as 6-7 times in one day myself doing repairs or installations, and I'm 70 yo & overweight.

Marc

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

The ATN TopClimber will allow you to go up the mast without needing a second person below to winch you up.

If you go up on a bosun's chair, I would recommend you use an line ascender on a second line as a safety measure.

LED masthead lights rock... I have an OGM Tri-anchor light on my boat.

I don't think you need to pull the mast for installing the LED masthead light or retrieving the halyard. As SailorTJK1 suggests, you should get used to going up the mast... as it is a normal part of maintenance and such on a sailboat.

dave6330 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

I have a fractional rig with only one halyard (the main) going all the way to the top. How difficult is it to rig up a spare masthead halyard?

Idiens · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2007

Depends on your mast head. I have spare sheaves for a topping lift, and a second jib, for example.