Should I Install Mast Steps ? What Type ?

[Jimbo2010]

Originally Posted by blahman

All of the steps for my mast weigh about 12lbs, total, so weight aloft is a non-issue.

Are you serious 12lbs is tremendous, do the math at that height.

Sorry I don't agree it is a big issue.

[SaltyMonkey]

12 lbs distributed across the whole mast is nothing.

[Jimbo2010]

Ask a navel architect.

[blahman]

I don't need to as I don't care what he'd have to say. Digit-crunchers can have a gas working out why my mast steps make my boat unsailable, meanwhile I'll be the one sailing it and knowing those 12lbs don't do diddly to affect the boat, especially with those 5 110' halyards, furling foil, stays, and, oh yeah, the 50lb sails...all three, not to mention the 300lb mast itself...

Maybe if we were talking about a cup boat you could justify it, but for any cruising boat who wants them, the benefits of steps far outweigh any potential loss of performance.

~A

[timbenner]

I think that the effect of the added 12 lbs from mast steps is relative to the size and weight of the boat. On a Lagoon 380, weighing 16,000 lbs, I think the added 12 lbs is irrelevant.

[SaltyMonkey]

Ask a NA? ROTFLMAO!!!

Its irrelevant. Its distributed. I know. I had them. Heavier ones. You never had them. YOU are wrong.

Throw a blipper, a radar unit up there.

Back to attaching steps. You might consider welding them if you don't like screws.

[blahman]

Welding also seems tricky as you can't be sure of the alloy of your mast, and likely can't even figure out who makes the steps you buy, let alone their alloy. It'd be tough to select the appropriate rod alloy that would not cause corrosion issues later.

~A

[barnakiel]

Or 3M'em, or ducktape'em ...

b.

[SaltyMonkey]

blahman. Yes sounds be a bit tricky. Not sure exactly if there are issues considering masts need welding from time to time - I guess you'd have to ask a marine welder or a rigger these quesstions.

Barnakiel has the best answer so far - 5200

[VirtualVagabond]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Or 3M'em, or ducktape'em ...

b.

I don't know why you're trying to confuse the issue... when you know velcro strips on either side of the mast, and on sandshoes and gloves is the go....

[capt_douglas]

I don't see one answer for this problem. If you go with external steps, you add weight, windage, noise, and cost to the need. If you go with something you can clip to the halyard and the halyard's the problem then you've got to have an alternative. I've been giving thought to oversizing the topping lift line because if the halyard gets caught at the top, I can figure out how to support he boom and use this line to get me to up the mast.

No matter how I look at this, it's probably the most dangerous action you can take aboard a sailboat.

[timbenner]

DiDo on "the most dangerous action you can take aboard a sailboat". My biggest phobia is when I'm not in control of the danger ie, my wife or inexperienced crew member is going to winch me up. For this reason, together with my multiple alternatives of a lifting or climbing line (spinnaker halyard, main sail halyard, jib halyard and topping lift) I like the idea of installing aluminum folding mast steps to assist me with climbing up with my "Top Climber" ( TOPCLIMBER ). I don't see myself standing on the steps to work up top, but would rather be sitting on the seat, with my feet resting on the steps.

Would like some advise on what to buy as a safety clip on devise and/or a strap to wrap around the mast and clip off to me. Kind of like tree climbers use.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by capt_douglas

I don't see one answer for this problem. If you go with external steps, you add weight, windage, noise, and cost to the need.

No matter how I look at this, it's probably the most dangerous action you can take aboard a sailboat.

Solution: buy a boat with the steps already in place. By removing the steps you reduce the weight, windage, noise .... and if you sell them, you may even make a good business!!!

BTW as far as the safety thing goes I think leaving the marina can be even more dangerous ... ;-)))

b.