Adding Mast Steps/Foot Holds

[tomfl]

What are issues with adding mast steps or other similar items to a mast. I looked at a Seawind 1000 and to attach the halyard to the main it is necessary to climb up steps on the mast. The current owner is six four and even then it is a stretch. I am only five nine and would need to add at least one and maybe two stets. Not sure is rivets or screws or other methods are best, not to mention issues with climbing up the mast everytime you need to attach a halyard to the main.

I am an old school cotton sails and hemp line guy who can remember when dacron line first came out so some of this new fangled stuff confuses me.

[Cotemar]

tomfl

Adding Mast Step is easy and adds to your safty.
use 100% aluminum rivits on the aluminum mast.

[barnakiel]

Sometimes the internal ends of rivets will catch on the halyards if they are internal. Punch out the cores too, will you.

Make sure your topmost step is a double as otherwise you will be forced to stand on one feet while fixing that mast top tri color.

Avoid stepping at the end of the steps that do not have a loop design. Think leverage

b.

[Jimske]

I am having mast steps made and would like some opinions.

They will be 3" x 3" x 1/4" aluminum angle and 2 1/2" wide. Pretty much same as Scrimshaw (see pic). Except that I intend to install them with the fasteners underneath the flange. That way I will have an extra 1/4" foothold. I will also apply a non-skid to the tread surface.

Fasteners? I have ruled out rivets because they will be more difficult for me to apply with mast up and are harder to remove if need be.

I am considering hex head screw at a length that doesn't protrude the internal mast more than ? 1/4" ?. What say you?

Also what diameter and how many holes per tread? I am thinking maybe 4 holes instead of 3. That way I can use a smaller diameter and get the same or more strength. ?? What say you.

Also, if anyone likes this idea for their boat I can have these made for you, too.

[Cotemar]

These Mast Steps are just $19 each at Defender.
They fold out of the way.
No galvanic corrosion issues.
Uses 5 aluminum rivets per step.
Been using them for years.

Mast Products Folding Mast Step

[FSMike]

+1 on Cotemar's suggestion.

[boatsail]

I started a thread about steps.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...s-92761-2.html

Fabricated the steps out of aluminum.

I have the up to my spreaders atm. Been working with mast up. Not an easy job. Using rivets. Not any harder than screws really. I like them better. Rivets drill out easily enough if need be.

[boatsail]

After putting them on and climbing on them. I would not want one that does not enclose my foot.
count on a worse case scenario as life aint all rainbows and unicorns;-). Foot more secure is better.

[ReMetau]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

These Mast Steps are just $19 each at Defender.
They fold out of the way.
No galvanic corrosion issues.
Uses 5 aluminum rivets per step.
Been using them for years.

Mast Products Folding Mast Step

We installed these about 4 years ago (if I remember correctly), and have been very please with them. We also used 5 aluminum rivets each, and it wasn't bad. If I were to use screws, I think I would prefer machine screws into threaded holes.

[ReMetau]

Originally Posted by Jimske

I am having mast steps made and would like some opinions.

They will be 3" x 3" x 1/4" aluminum angle and 2 1/2" wide. Pretty much same as Scrimshaw (see pic). Except that I intend to install them with the fasteners underneath the flange. That way I will have an extra 1/4" foothold. I will also apply a non-skid to the tread surface.

Fasteners? I have ruled out rivets because they will be more difficult for me to apply with mast up and are harder to remove if need be.

I am considering hex head screw at a length that doesn't protrude the internal mast more than ? 1/4" ?. What say you?

Also what diameter and how many holes per tread? I am thinking maybe 4 holes instead of 3. That way I can use a smaller diameter and get the same or more strength. ?? What say you.

Also, if anyone likes this idea for their boat I can have these made for you, too.

Don't know if I would care for those. There is nothing to keep your foot on it, and things sticking out like that are likely to catch lines and halyards.

[bobconnie]

Thats why ya have a winch and halyards, to help ya get up the mast safely! the folding steps are far better for not catching sails and lines ! Just my 2 cents

[boatsail]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

Thats why ya have a winch and halyards, to help ya get up the mast safely! the folding steps are far better for not catching sails and lines ! Just my 2 cents

Singlehanded?

[JPA Cate]

Boatsail,

If you're single-handled, use a 6 part tackle to haul yourself aloft, like the young, skinny riggers, use, and even some older, less skinny ones, too! You might consider a climbing harness, instead of or in addition to a boatswain's chair. Jim installed two steps about 4 ft. below the masthead, for him to be able to stand on and work on the stuff up there. Ours are aluminum folders, screwed in, using lanolin to impede galvanic corrosion.

Yes, having two steps the same level will make it much easier to attach the halyard to the mains'l. We can't all be 6'4" tall, quite an advantage that can be!

Ann Cate, back in Pt. Cygnet, Tas

[Nicholson58]

I find great prices at this site for lots of SS things.


Perhaps these.
Stainless Steel Mast Step


or these: Rigging, Lifeline Hardware
or this: Stainless Steel 316 Folding Mast Step with Diamond Tread Pattern

[roverhi]

Steps that trap your foot like the ones boatsail posted above. Ones that don't keep your foot on the step are down right dangerous when the boat is moving around. Would only run them to the spreaders. No problems with halyards snagging going up that far. In more than 10 years with my old boat living aboard, cruising and daysailing. Never had a need to go higher than the spreaders that wasn't cured by and required a bosun's chair.

If you are concerned about windage, would use my TopClimber. Topclimber : solo mastclimbing system, top climber One of the best things I've bought for the boat.