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Knotical · 25-08-2021, 18:30

Today I was up the mast and even with very little wind and swell I experienced some noticeable lateral movement that I had to work with one hand and use the other hand to hold on to the mast/rigging to keep me stable. Is there a way I can remain in the center and have both hands free to work? I was thinking something like a strap or rope across the waist and the mast? If I use a rope then how do I tie it? I am sure there are other methods that folks use - please enlighten me.

Thank you.

kaisardog · 25-08-2021, 19:13

Heavy duty bosn chair attached to 2 halyards a main hyd and a backup safety jib hyd . Can wrap my legs around the mast to stabilize evn w a lot of pitching and rolling. and then work w 2 hands, tools are in side pockets attached by line to the bosn chair retaining loops sewn in for keeping tools handy. Take a cell phone up the mast in case u get stuck or need someone on deck to hoist another tool up to you.

Pandor · 25-08-2021, 19:23

Try this?

thinwater · 25-08-2021, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotical

Today I was up the mast and even with very little wind and swell I experienced some noticeable lateral movement that I had to work with one hand and use the other hand to hold on to the mast/rigging to keep me stable. Is there a way I can remain in the center and have both hands free to work? I was thinking something like a strap or rope across the waist and the mast? If I use a rope then how do I tie it? I am sure there are other methods that folks use - please enlighten me.

Thank you.

Yes, obviously positioning slings from your harness to the mast. Google arborists climbing, and search rock climbing and rope access stores for the carabiners and slings. Daisy chains are one possible answer. Carabiner attachment is common, but a rope with a string of half hitches on one end could work. I usually climb with 3-5 carabiners, a daisy chain, and a sling, so I can adjust to what I need.

Knotical · 25-08-2021, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaisardog

Heavy duty bosn chair attached to 2 halyards a main hyd and a backup safety jib hyd . Can wrap my legs around the mast to stabilize evn w a lot of pitching and rolling. and then work w 2 hands, tools are in side pockets attached by line to the bosn chair retaining loops sewn in for keeping tools handy. Take a cell phone up the mast in case u get stuck or need someone on deck to hoist another tool up to you.

I tried wrapping my legs around the mast but it took a lot of effort and they started aching after a while, I want something that will keep me steady without much effort on my part, there are plenty of things I am doing anyway when up the mast.

Knotical · 25-08-2021, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pandor

Try this?

Very funny 😄

Knotical · 25-08-2021, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinwater

Yes, obviously positioning slings from your harness to the mast. Google arborists climbing, and search rock climbing and rope access stores for the carabiners and slings. Daisy chains are one possible answer. Carabiner attachment is common, but a rope with a string of half hitches on one end could work. I usually climb with 3-5 carabiners, a daisy chain, and a sling, so I can adjust to what I need.

Thinwater, do you possibly have a photo of how you attach everything? It will be a huge help.

thinwater · 25-08-2021, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotical

Thinwater, do you possibly have a photo of how you attach everything? It will be a huge help.

Sail Delmarva: Search results for climb mast. Just one example, each case is different. Note these are NOT the main support, only for supplemental positioning.

A bosun's chair with no foot support swings more.

Knotical · 25-08-2021, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinwater

Sail Delmarva: Search results for climb mast. Just one example, each case is different. Note these are NOT the main support, only for supplemental positioning.

A bosun's chair with no foot support swings more.

Thank you, I will look it up.

RaymondR · 25-08-2021, 21:52

This is my home brew solution to that problem. It consists of two small pieces of alloy angle and a separator of flat bar.

I take the bolts out and assemble it in the sail track then shackle the D rings of my safety harness where the cord runs through the hole.

It attaches me to the mast and I can lean back against it to stabilize and leave both my hands free.

The reason it splits apart is that I used to use the metal slug from the headboard of my mainsail but the new sail came with it attached via a stitched tape rather than shackled and I can assemble this one without disturbing the sail.

seandepagnier · 25-08-2021, 23:08

You can wrap your legs around the mast leaving both arms free.

It is best to navigate to a secluded sheltered location with little wave action. If not your best bet is just to hang on when powerboats pass.

Sonny36 · 26-08-2021, 01:46

Why not install fold-up type steps on the mast?

LeeV · 26-08-2021, 08:10

We use a Harken bosuns chair which (for me) is more comfortable than the others I’ve tried. I have a 12’ piece of rope around my waist and knotted. As I go up I keep it around the mast till I reach where I want to work, and then I secure it snugly. It keeps me stable w/o swinging and with my legs wrapped I can unwrap them if they get tired and rest a minute or two.

Don’t forget to use a bowline on your halyard, not a shackle.