Going up the mast - advice needed

[jbondy]

Great story, and I hope he played the lottery that day!

Any idea why the snap shackle let go? If this is so likely to happen and since part of the snatch block is a snap shackle, then is using two snatchblocks in the run of the halyard to the genoa winch advisable? If one lets go, it would be just as bad.

[sailingdog]

jbondy-

It is better to have blocks with pin-shackles attached to fixed padeyes in the deck, but most boats don't have this setup. If you do use a snatchblock, make sure the opening side is DOWN when putting the halyard into it—or the line may accidentally open the block.

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I'm not a big fan of the buntline hitch, since it can be very difficult to untie.

That's rather the point, in this application, SD

Jim

[sailingdog]

A properly tied bowline isn't going to magically untie itself, and un-doing the bowline is going to generally damage the line far less than trying to get a buntline hitch out. For a bosun's chair or climbing harness attachment, you want a secure knot that is easy to remove when you're done with using the chair/harness. A buntline hitch doesn't qualify for that use IMHO.

Buntline hitches are great for places where the knot is basically permanent, like attaching a main sail halyard to a headboard shackle, but not so good if you want to be able to use the line for something other than the buntline hitch.

Originally Posted by SEMIJim

That's rather the point, in this application, SD

Jim

[mtboat]

Hi all. I am somewhat new to sailing, but have been wondering about getting up the mast. I have thought of an idea to bounce off you all. Attach a fixed line from top of mast to bottom, to remain there. Now use some rope climbing devices from rock climbing. They are called ascenders and come in a variety of sizes and forms. Another alternative is same system using slings and "prussick" knots wrapped around the line. What say all?

[sailingdog]

MTboat-

You might actually want to read the various threads on climbing the mast. Ascenders, jumars, prussik knots have all been discussed previously. BTW, the ATN TopClimber basically is a Bosun's chair with two ascenders and a set of foot straps.

[Bermuda30]

Here's my method:

I have a static line attached to the mast, top to bottom. To climb this line, I use standard climbing harness and ascenders w/ foot loops. The safety line is a halyard TIED OFF to strong points on the deck, which is attached to me via 2 lines with prussiks on the halyard. I also use a webbing strap that goes from one side of my harness, around the mast, to the other side. This is to keep me within grabbing distance of the mast no matter how the boat moves.

NOTE: This is the system that works for ME. I designed it from climbing gear I aleady had, and the fact that I don't trust anyone else to haul me up. I find it comfortable enough to run up the mast at anchor for pictures. And yes, it is slow, but who cares??

[joegun]

I use a second safety line around the mast attached to a different point on my chair. This line will limit or slow a fall.
I also have routed the halyard thru a genoa block to take the halyard to a larger 2-speed winch when my helper is not muscular.

[knuterikt]

Originally Posted by jbondy

Great story, and I hope he played the lottery that day!

Any idea why the snap shackle let go? If this is so likely to happen and since part of the snatch block is a snap shackle, then is using two snatchblocks in the run of the halyard to the genoa winch advisable? If one lets go, it would be just as bad.

Hi I dont know why the snap shacle opend up.

Regarding use of snatch blocks, the only purpose of these blocks is to get a good lead to the genoa winch (46 winch) instead of the hallyard winch (28 winch). I think there is a small risk that the snaych block opens or releases. But if that should happen there are two things that make this approach secure.
1) The bosuns char would only fall a short distance, since the rope would only strigthen out between the mast base and the winch.
2) I'm allways using a second hallyard to secure the bosuns chair, so after grinding some turns on the genoa winch (self tailing) I take in slack on the other hallyard.

[Birdface]

Just a FYI - A set of three bosun's chairs from West Marine have been recalled, be sure you check your models with your local store.

I lifted my wife up in my new chair only to find out two months later the webbing fails!!!