Alternative to being hauled up the mast?

[jaschrumpf]

What would be the possible downside of using a lightweight ladder that could be strapped to the mast, rather than being hauled up by a halyard? (For use at dock, of course, and not under way.)

I'm visualizing an aluminum ladder, stepped on something that would distribute the weight across its entire foot-width rather than just on two legs, that could be secured to the mast by straps of some kind like those a telephone pole climber might use.

The climber could use a harness attached to a halyard as a safety backup, but wouldn't have to be hauled up the mast by brute force. He would also have a support strap around his middle that would go around the mast and ladder.

Are cabin tops too fragile to hold this kind of weight? If you figure the foot-step of the ladder might be 4" X 18" and the weight of the climber + ladder to be 350 lbs. max, the lbs/sq. ft would only be about 5 lbs/sq. in.

Surely just walking on top of the cabin top puts more stress than that on the roof? Is there a reason this solution has never been applied?

[erps]

Good idea. They make a canvas climbing ladder that you haul up the mailsail track. When you're done, you roll it up and stow it in a bag.

Flexible, portable mast climbing ladder made of nylon webbing which attaches to any sail tra

[scottyt]

jas it would work but the one thing you need to think of is mast height. my mast is 36 feet, and a 36 foot ladder is not cheap. i happen to own a 40 foot AL ladder already if you need one.

btw did you ever do anything with the thru hull?

[sailingdog]

MastMate—Flexible webbing ladder for just this purpose. IMHO, you're better off using a bosun's chair. A ladder requires you to hang on to it... makes getting much work done while up the mast a bit tough.

Originally Posted by jaschrumpf

What would be the possible downside of using a lightweight ladder that could be strapped to the mast, rather than being hauled up by a halyard? (For use at dock, of course, and not under way.)

I'm visualizing an aluminum ladder, stepped on something that would distribute the weight across its entire foot-width rather than just on two legs, that could be secured to the mast by straps of some kind like those a telephone pole climber might use.

The climber could use a harness attached to a halyard as a safety backup, but wouldn't have to be hauled up the mast by brute force. He would also have a support strap around his middle that would go around the mast and ladder.

Are cabin tops too fragile to hold this kind of weight? If you figure the foot-step of the ladder might be 4" X 18" and the weight of the climber + ladder to be 350 lbs. max, the lbs/sq. ft would only be about 5 lbs/sq. in.

Surely just walking on top of the cabin top puts more stress than that on the roof? Is there a reason this solution has never been applied?

[xort]

how do you secure the top of the ladder before going up?

An aluminum ladder is going to be a handful on anything over about 15'. You ever wresle with a 20' ladder? Let alone a 30' or 40'!!!!!!!

[scottyt]

xort i can see doing it, the ladder i have weighs about 50 lbs, so its not bad. as for attaching it, i would put on a ratchet strap every 5 feet when going up. you would need a strap around you and the mast to be able to let go

[bluwateronly]

Hello, been up many a ladder (used to be a window washer) I can tell you this- first good point about how are you going to tie off the ladder without going up. Ladders move, boats move bad sitution, can give many a story. If you have a good halyard and a chair it's the way to go. Don't expect the guy or gal to haul you up you must help buy climbing, unless you have a big winch. Second point- you have to hold on with a ladder can be done but much better if you can strap your self, I wear my harness and bring a line and make myself fast while working. I have split backstays and have done it free don't recommend it unless you are comfortable with hieghts and have the power to do it. Get the right stuff because you might need it on the water where it counts. Don't even try to free climb unless you have a good wax on your gelcoat because blood leaves a terriable mess.

[billyruffn]

IMHO, ladders aren't very nautical (except when used to move betweed decks).

[bluwateronly]

just gotta ask where do you store the ladder on your boat? Say your halyard snags and you cant get your main down what do you do. Man, I have been there and coming into the marina sucks with no motor and full main up is bad bad bad. I tacked and tacked and tried too slow down and still came in hot to the slip. I was not about to go up the mast free it those winds and I was out of beer, made it without damage however, I was a wishen I had a way up without help (singlehanded as always) This was on my old ericson26 and she moved on a puff, good most times but bad in this sitution. I am considering mast steps on my new baby but, just hate to drill all the holes. I think I would have liked a good taught line up the mast and some climbing gear while I had her hoveto to take care of problem. What do you guys think about mast steps? Is it worth it or should I rig a line and use climbing gear an a assender? I seem to singlehanded most times so I know when the sh** hits the fan I will be on my own, what do you salts do. (please. the ones who have done it) Don't care about hyjacking thread, Blu

[bluwateronly]

I know most of you east coaters are crashed by now. But it's friday nite here on the west coast and I guess you should be up if I am Made some killer chile and have a bunch of cold beer so I guess I will be up for awhile Termanator and doll house is over so I am bored. This weekend does not look good for sailing, damm it mann been nice all week but serious weather moving in tonight so smart captain stays in the slip. It's my Bday sunday and I plan to clean out out my raw water cooler, what fun It is the first day of spring and the summer winds are a commin and my baby is ready so I guess I won't be working much soon