ABI Mast Steps

[svindigo]

FWIW we use a climbing harness to get up the mast and have installed a pair of the ABI steps about 4' below the masthead so I can stand in place and shift position. This has worked well for us for the last 5 years. No matter what you do think safety first.

[Gene T]

Originally Posted by Valiente

I would use a bosun's chair as well as mast steps doing work aloft as well, because then you can use the top pair of steps as "stirrups" to simply hold you still while you tape or seal whatever electrical thing has gone wrong up there in the first place. You will soon tire of holding yourself upright without also grabbing the mast...and the chair gives you a place to keep your tools and rum.

Go ahead and use a chair, but you will need to stand to work on the top of the mast, use a safety strap to tie your waist to the mast so you are secure.

Personally I find a chair gets in the way when using steps for climbing. A tool bag works better for me.

[Gene T]

Originally Posted by svindigo

FWIW we use a climbing harness to get up the mast and have installed a pair of the ABI steps about 4' below the masthead so I can stand in place and shift position. This has worked well for us for the last 5 years. No matter what you do think safety first.

This is my next project, but I have not tried a climbing harness yet. Fixed steps at the top work even if you use a chair to get up there. Nothing beats being secure at the top. (other than getting someone else to go up for you)

[Giulietta]

Originally Posted by christyleigh

These are the ABI Aluminum ones I have used and liked.

That's what I have..only put 3 only need to reach the boom and to save weight.

[tdw]

Raven has the basic type of mast steps, not folding that is. I find them a great boon indeed I'm somewhat keen on the idea of climbing up and sitting on the spreaders when under way (motoring only) or at anchor although it does get a bit spooky from there on up. Going up with the mainsail raised is a bit of a problem. Yes you can go up forward of the mast but with a baby stay, inner forestay and then finally the forestay itself it is a bit tricky.

I always have a bosuns chair or climbing harness on when I go aloft to work with tool back attached. If I'm working at the mast head it can be quite comfortable. The climbing harness I have used was a mates but I did prefer it to the bosuns chair.

The steps are also quite handy if you need to get a bit of height for observation when negotiating reefs and the like.