I've been thinking about installing mast steps on our boat. However, one person I talked with said that he wouldn't recommend putting them all the way up the mast as this puts too many holes - however small - in the mast and would weaken it. His thought is to just put two steps at the top so you can stand and see over the top to work. Any thoughts?
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SF Bay
1998 C36
You might find some interesting information in the following thread:
[url]http://www.c36ia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=908[/url]
Francois Desrochers - C375 Tech Editor
S/V Alizes #15
Lake Ontario
2009 C375
yes, thanks, I read that thread as it was developing. I was thinking of the mast mate, but fixed steps would be nice, except for the question I was asking.
SF Bay
1998 C36
I have loathed the thought of placing all the holes and the weight of continuous steps up my mast, BUT I have often thought that a pair of steps to let me work at a good height on the masthead would be nice.
I may do it as soon as I get a "roundtuit."
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Yes, that's what this guy recommended - one pair of steps at the top of the mast. On the other hand, he had a trick for ascending the mast in a bosun's chair: He suggested using a second halyard with a loop on the bottom which you can put your feet in and stand on. That way, the person grinding you up doesn't have to be grinding up all your weight; you alternate between standing on the loop and allowing the chair to raise, then sitting in the chair and allowing the loop to raise. It occurred to me that once at the top, you could simply stand on the loop to see over the top of the mast, no?
SF Bay
1998 C36
John,
Yes, you could use a pair of loops in a second halyard, but a pair of steps mounted about 4' below the masthead work VERY well. Racers cringe when I talk about adding any weight that far up, but I did it on my 36, and again on my 400. Combined with a harness, you can work easily at and above the masthead with both hands free. Very safe and secure. The picture below shows one on the stbd side. The twin is on the port side. They fold up neatly when not in use, and have never snagged anything, being somewhat protected by the shrouds. Highly recommend them.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Racers would cringe at my boat anyway, as it has an in-mast roller furling main. As for myself, I cringe at the thought of racing somebody in a sailboat. If you wanted to go fast, you shouldn't have gotten a sailboat.
SF Bay
1998 C36
Since you have a roller furling mast, I suggest you ask Charleston Spars. I think the thickness of the aluminium is significantly less on the RF Masts. Also you are limited on the length of screw/bolt you can use.
Tom, Is that reflective tape around the top of the boom?
Ken and Vicki Juul
SV Luna Loca
C34 #1090
Chesapeake Bay
Ken,
Yes, it's reflective tape (SOLAS?) around the top of the mast. Even with a small penlight, you can see it from a few hundred yards away. With a bright light, probably a 1/4 mile. I first saw this idea at Block Island, where they were called "Drunk Stripes".
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT