[Public-list] Mast Steps

[Joe]

Well, I can't see the logic in **not** having mast steps in the mast.
And having had my boat in the Virgin Islands where its nice to climb a
ways off the deck and be able to see a coral head or reef entrance while
my wife drives the boat, I must encourage you to put actual hard steps
on the mast. While living in the islands, I never saw anyone in a chair,
up the mast, calling directions to their mate while trying to get
through the coral heads. But maybe that's done elsewhere.

I believe the fastest and darn near most conveinient way to get aloft at
any height is by climbing. I can climb my mast faster (up and down and
probably back) than you can rig a tackle let alone climb into the chair.

When no one is around, you can climb the mast yourself. When two are
available but underway (power), one can go aloft quickly. Wear a harness
and clip on and it's almost as good as a chair. Now, if your aloft for a
while, working or rigging, then a chair is second to none. 

I installed fourteen masteps on my boat, West Marine part #541631,
they're $17 a piece, so not cheap, but a good upgrade for island
cruising. I used mine a lot. I have photos and will send to Alberg site
for post.

Just my thought

Joe #499
"One Less Traveled"


-----Original Message-----
From: public-list-bounces at alberg30.org
[mailto:public-list-bounces at alberg30.org] On Behalf Of James Schueler
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 5:20 PM
To: 'Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all'
Subject: RE: [Public-list] Mast Steps

Gordon,

Thanks for the reply. I was looking for opinions so there is no need to
apologize for being outspoken. However, I was not looking to go up
unaided or unattached; I was still planning on using a harness.

Thanks again,

James

-----Original Message-----
From: public-list-bounces at alberg30.org
[mailto:public-list-bounces at alberg30.org] On Behalf Of Gordon Laco
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 12:58 PM
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
Subject: Re: [Public-list] Mast Steps

Hi James - 

Mast steps are something that I have strong feelings about.

I believe that the safest and most seamanlike way to go aloft is on a
good
halyard in a good bosun's chair.  I believe that steps are very
dangerous.

I believe that any system that makes it easier to get aloft without
second
thoughts is contrary to sound principal.

I have worked for years in the rigs of sailing ships and felt quite
secure;
the rig of a sailing ship is an structure specifically developed over
the
centuries to facilitate safe climbing... but mastheads of modern yachts
are
no place to cling to un-aided.  People have been killed an maimed by
falls
that could so easily have been prevented.

If you sail single or short handed it is dead easy to rig up a tackle
system
that will allow you to haul yourself up with great ease and in complete
security.  Mast steps are one of those things that make me shake my
head.

Sorry I am so outspoken!

Gordon #426 Suprise


> 
> 
> If this message has gone out twice, my apologies. It came back to me
on
> 'public list bounces'.
> 
> Has anyone had any experience with mast steps? I was thinking of
> installing them, as I'm not that crazy about being hauled up the mast,
> but would like a few opinions first. Of course I would still use a
> harness but I rather like the feel of my feet being attached to
> something.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> James Schueler
> "Oddyseus" #170
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Public-list mailing list
> Public-list at alberg30.org
> http://alberg30.org/mailman/listinfo/public-list

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