Choosing a bosun's chair... or harness?

JordanH · #1 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

Hi all,

I took some new crew sailing, and upon dousing the sail the Admiral was showing them how to drop and secure the mainsail as we returned to harbour. I reminded them to secure the main halyard and "never, ever let it go." I stopped paying attention to them to focus on traffic through a narrow gap. Once through, I snugged up the main halyard... only there was no tension on it! D'oh. Sky'd the halyard.

After many attempts with boathook-on-spare halyard, I deemed it irretrievable and secured it for the night. Now my job is to get up the mast...

My options are to tie my own jury harness or to purchase a bosun's chair or climbing harness. There's an obvious answer in there.

So what features do I look for in a bosun's chair? Is there a brand/model you'd recommend? And given this is a Contessa 26, I'm considering a climbing harness instead as it will pack smaller - space is at a serious premium on the boat.

Your opinions are valued greatly.
J.

Cb103 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

Personally, I prefer a climbing harness. Not only is it far more secure, but it also allows you to use your legs when climbing which makes your winch person's job a little easier. That it'll pack smaller is a nice bonus as well.

puddinlegs · #3 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

If you're up the mast for any longer period of time, bosun's chair. While sailing and/or short duration stuff, climbing harness.

kwaltersmi · #4 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

We use a Black Diamond Alpine BOD climbing harness. It's very secure and affordable. However, it does not offer the comfort of a chair for extended time aloft. You may also consider asking around your marina/harbor to see if you can borrow one from another sailor.

PorFin · #5 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

While you are deciding between the harness and the Bosun's chair, you can still get your halyard.

You can fashion a Swiss Seat (google it -- many sources can show you how on-line) out of a length of suitable rope/line. It will do the job, albeit not as comfortably as either a chair or a climbing harness.

I used a Swiss Seat for quite a while before I finally broke down and bought a Black Diamond harness.

glassdad · #6 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

Some boat supply stores have equipment to rent or borrow. Check your local West Marine or other chandlery.

I went with a Bosuns chair. It feels more secure and is more comfortable. When you are 40 feet in the air, comfort is important to your peice of mind.

JordanH · #7 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

Thanks guys. I've tied a number of jury harnesses before; not the swiss seat exactly, but variations of fireman's chair and such. It's not comfortable enough for me to want to do that.

I had been leaning towards the bosun's chair, but now that I think about it and have looked into harnesses, I think that's the route I'll probably go. I've done some basic wall climbing and feel quite safe with a harness - piece of mind is a good thing.

Off to the local rock climbing shop tomorrow morning...

mm2187 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

Any lenght of time in a harness and you will be wishing you bought the bosuns chair. Climbing harnesses are not comfortable to have your legs dangeling in, they are good for quick fixes aloft though.

JordanH · #9 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

Thanks mm2187, your warning is duly noted and considered.

My reasoning is this; Firstly, I keep the boat in Lake Ontario where the mast is on the deck as often as it is stepped - 6mo. sailing season really. So major work can usually wait for before or after the season. Secondly, I may be naive, but the only reason I can see me going aloft is to retrieve halyards, change light bulbs and similar - quick up/quick down tasks. Lastly, if I do need to spend a larger time aloft, I know enough sailors here that would likely lend me a seat.

I seriously hope to never have to use it for larger tasks than silly oversights than this one.

FWIW, I'm not fond of heights and although I've always wanted to go up, I do hope I'll never have to go up again.

Chris12345 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011

The climbing harness is much cheaper, and packs much smaller, but hurts like hell if you sit in it for longer. It should be fine for just getting up the mast of a 26 footer and grabbing a halyard.

For just one quick climb I would replicate the harness in rope, and wear two or three pairs of shorts under it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JordanH

Hi all,

I took some new crew sailing, and upon dousing the sail the Admiral was showing them how to drop and secure the mainsail as we returned to harbour. I reminded them to secure the main halyard and "never, ever let it go." I stopped paying attention to them to focus on traffic through a narrow gap. Once through, I snugged up the main halyard... only there was no tension on it! D'oh. Sky'd the halyard.

After many attempts with boathook-on-spare halyard, I deemed it irretrievable and secured it for the night. Now my job is to get up the mast...

My options are to tie my own jury harness or to purchase a bosun's chair or climbing harness. There's an obvious answer in there.

So what features do I look for in a bosun's chair? Is there a brand/model you'd recommend? And given this is a Contessa 26, I'm considering a climbing harness instead as it will pack smaller - space is at a serious premium on the boat.

Your opinions are valued greatly.
J.