Mast climbing platform

[LoudMusic]

Is there a product with adjustable / removable platform for use working aloft? I'm thinking something that has a good sized platform for standing on, some struts underneath for supporting against the side of the mast, and straps that go around the mast to keep the platform snug up against the mast. Something like this only one that won't mangle my mast. Would the torquing pressure on the side of the mast do damage? Would longer struts make a difference?

Having recently been up the mast, my crotch disagrees with the experience and wishes my legs would have participated.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

Is there a product with adjustable / removable platform for use working aloft? I'm thinking something that has a good sized platform for standing on, some struts underneath for supporting against the side of the mast, and straps that go around the mast to keep the platform snug up against the mast. Something like this only one that won't mangle my mast. Would the torquing pressure on the side of the mast do damage? Would longer struts make a difference?

Having recently been up the mast, my crotch disagrees with the experience and wishes my legs would have participated.

You need a different harness. Perhaps the fit is poor. Perhaps the leg loop padding is not enough. Loops to stand in also help. 30 minutes should not be a problem.


Lower on the mast a ladder can work, if properly secured.



(It's easy to add more padding for long trips)

[jamhass]

A couple of folding mast steps mounted just below the masthead work great for me.

[Thx4allthefish]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

Is there a product with adjustable / removable platform for use working aloft? I'm thinking something that has a good sized platform for standing on, some struts underneath for supporting against the side of the mast, and straps that go around the mast to keep the platform snug up against the mast. Something like this only one that won't mangle my mast. Would the torquing pressure on the side of the mast do damage? Would longer struts make a difference?

Having recently been up the mast, my crotch disagrees with the experience and wishes my legs would have participated.

I haven't tried one but I kindof want one of these: http://mastmate.com

[Perfect Ride]

A hard bottomed bosun's chair does the trick of keeping the crouch out of harms way. Just be sure to keep seated towards the back of the chair. example: https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...hair--10406940

[roverhi]

The ATN Mast Climber has a bosun's chair/harness combination that is very comfortable. Have spent hours in the seat and no discomfort. It's a board seat with harness leg restraints that allow you to stand up and climb and then sit when you get to where you need to work. Climbing with the outfit does take some physical effort but I'm 73, not as light or in as good a shape as I was at 30 but no problem going up and down though I do it at my own pace. http://www.atninc.com/atn-mastclimbe...quipment.shtml

Have tried climbing harnesses and prefer water boarding to having to sit in them for more than a 1/2 hour. The Harness people offer seats to attach to the harness so you can sit in comfort but they are pricey. By the time you buy the harness, climbing hardware, and seat you are in it for well over the cost of a Mast Climber. It is easier and faster to descend with mountain climbing gear, however.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by roverhi

The ATN Mast Climber has a bosun's chair/harness combination that is very comfortable. Have spent hours in the seat and no discomfort. It's a board seat with harness leg restraints that allow you to stand up and climb and then sit when you get to where you need to work. ...

+1 on this. Have the same rig. I’m overweight and not particularly strong, but climbing is not very hard. You basically step your way up using your leg muscles, and you can rest whenever you want. I actually find coming down a bit trickier, but it’s not physically hard.

It’s pretty comfortable to sit and work from. One nice thing is that you can work on top of the masthead with this gear since you can actually stand.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by jamhass

A couple of folding mast steps mounted just below the masthead work great for me.

Jamhass, agreed. It is important to get them high enough so that you can really bear down on the mast crane. Some people don't like the folding mast steps' rattling, but you can put shrink tubing over the part that rattles before you mount them, and it quiets it considerably.

Ann

[NYSail]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

Is there a product with adjustable / removable platform for use working aloft? I'm thinking something that has a good sized platform for standing on, some struts underneath for supporting against the side of the mast, and straps that go around the mast to keep the platform snug up against the mast. Something like this only one that won't mangle my mast. Would the torquing pressure on the side of the mast do damage? Would longer struts make a difference?

Having recently been up the mast, my crotch disagrees with the experience and wishes my legs would have participated.

I use the bosuns chair with a mast mate. I climb up and wife keeps seat under me. When I get to where I need to be she snugs the chair up and i stand with the chair beneath me for support.
Easy and safe.
Greg