Mast Steps

[mholmes]

how to get up the mast is a recurring discussion, so I thought I would share our solution

last fall we ordered up our own set of cheap and simple mast
steps--I put the original write-up on the maintenance record blog I keep for our valiant 40:
http://mattholmes.com/blog/?p=97

I was disappointed with either the cost, complexity, or size of the other options out
there. Ours are as small and simple and cheap as we could make them--I drew up a design as a simple "L" shape, made out of aluminum angle. They
ended up working out pretty ideally--we regularly run up the mast under full sail just for the fun of it.

since we installed them, we've had lots of interest from people who want some of
their own, so we have started making and selling them on a small scale. If including that info in this post renders it inappropriate for this forum, my apologies and I'd be happy to remove this message, but I am thinking that mast climbing option might be a welcome resource to some on this forum--even if you just follow our example in making your own

we put up a website here:
http://climbthemast.com/

Additionally, I would appreciate any comments, feedback, or advice on improvements that anyone might have.

regards,
matt
"syzygy" valiant 40 #201
www.syzygysailing.com

[Gijs Sijbranda]

Hi Matt,

Looks very good to me.
Be sure to secure yourself when going up, i always use a ascender by Petzl (very straight forward) when i go up on my own using maststeps.

Gijs

[Paul L]

Ah, a better mouse trap.

Paul L

[davidsamuelson]

Hi Matt,
They look good and have some good features but...
Have you ever been up a mast when the boat is rolling in a big sea? Maybe in the rain to make it even more exciting? The first few steps are just fine but after that when you really get swung around life can get VERY unexciting, (even with enclosed steps.) You, as a climber, certainly have one big advantage: no fear, but even for you to hang on would be a chalenge when up 50'.
What people see/use in a marina is often mis-leading or downright dangerous when out at sea. For the average sailor I think your steps would be dangerous. I am sorry to be so negative when the item LOOKS so good; my halyard gets caught all the time on my steps, a real pain, but at least the steps have a certain amount of safety. I haven't ever run a line up the outside of the steps, but that seems to be a way that some people solve the halyard wrap problem.
Be careful
David

[mholmes]

david-
Surely no offense taken, and I appreciate the feedback. I totally agree with you in that our steps are not the best choice for everyone, and are on the small side. I too was very skeptical about how well they would be received by non-climbers. However, jonny keeps sending anyone and everyone up the mast when they visit, to see how they fare. So far everyone, including all our friends, four very attractive women, a 10 year old, and three retired 50+ guys in the marina have ensured us that they honestly felt safe on them. But who knows, they could be just saying it to be nice. The very first guy who convinced us to make some for him was a retired guy in his 50's, so I know that he at least is psyched about them. but yeah, you're right, they are on the small side for sure

I have been up the mast in the sf bay about 6 times now in 15-25 knots of wind and for me at least it was perfectly fine (actually it was super fun), though the chop in the bay can't compare to a big swell and I don't know how I would fare in those conditions. But in the bay at least it's totally doable. Interestingly enough, I found that past a certain angle of heel it became easier, because I could stay just on the windward side of the mast and walk up it like a ramp. And if I hang out at the very top for too long I start to get a little woozy from the swaying, especially if the guys down below are furiously tacking back and forth to show me a really good time!

again, much thanks for the comments,
matt

[SV Papillon]

nice concept

I would suggest some type of non-skid for the top glued or painted on the angle before you cut it etc. If used with a harness, lanyard around mast and halyard with someone belaying it is a very good tool for going aloft that should be safe for anyone. I can see some pretty big issues selling them as a sole means of working aloft, which it seems is your pitch?
good luck
Jake

PS probably a good idea to load test one as a reference