Bosun Chair

[AirBoyzT]

Hey Everyone....

Been looking at Bosun chairs, and noticed ATN makes one that can be used with one person....however, no weight limit is listed. I am 265 Pounds (I know I know, I need to get back into my Army shape) and am looking for something, anyone know.

Thanks for the help!
-Aaron

[Bash]

Product liability laws being what they are, I can't imagine ATN not posting a weight limit if that was indeed a concern.

I'm 6"3" 240ish, and have no idea who built my bosun's chair, having purchased it at a nautical flea market many years ago. But every time I rig it I sit in it a few feet above the deck and give it a bounce or two before I take off into the wild blue yonder. So far it hasn't complained.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Bash

I'm 6"3" 240ish, and have no idea who built my bosun's chair, having purchased it at a nautical flea market many years ago. But every time I rig it I sit in it a few feet above the deck and give it a bounce or two before I take off into the wild blue yonder. So far it hasn't complained.

Wonderblond must have muscles of steel

[Boulter]

I have been investigating this matter too. For any models that listed a rating, it was usually 230 pounds. I also never found a rating for the ATN.

Same problem as ladders and many other things. I often exceed the ratings because there is no product available for me otherwise. If the choice is between going 20% over or making your own, I have to think that going over 20% is the better risk. Of course, I cannot sue.

Yours, 6'4" and 230 pounds (well 228, so if I go up naked with a small wrench, I'm, OK),

Boulter

[Pete7]

The problem with a bosun chair is when your at the top you are still looking up to the top of the mast plate. We have one of those flexible webbing ladders which squashes down into a small sail bag. Slides run in the trysail track and hoisted on the topping lift.

Enables you to really get above the top of the mast so you are looking / working downwards. Certainly worth looking at.

Pete

[ReMetau]

Not sure about the weight limit, but I'm sure you can call them. If you get one and use it a couple times a week, it won't take long to get back in Army shape.

[Group9]

Originally Posted by Bash

Product liability laws being what they are, I can't imagine ATN not posting a weight limit if that was indeed a concern.

I'm 6"3" 240ish, and have no idea who built my bosun's chair, having purchased it at a nautical flea market many years ago. But every time I rig it I sit in it a few feet above the deck and give it a bounce or two before I take off into the wild blue yonder. So far it hasn't complained.

I need to meet your crew. I'm the same size and I can't ever get anyone to hoist me up.

[Liam Wald]

The ATN product is basically the same as what mountaineers use for vertical ascension.
Pretty sure you can buy them at REI.
I prefer using a set of falls with 4:1 purchase.
Divide your weight by four. If you can pull down with that much force you can pull yourself up the mast safely and easily with no assistance. Best thing about is that you are always in complete control.
To assemble your falls you will need 1 double block, 1 single block with becket, and a line that is the height of your mast X4 (get blocks sized for 1/2 inch line). Block with becket attaches to the chair, double block is raised to the masthead with main halyard.

When you get to a height at which you want to stop to work simply bring the end of the line that you have been pulling on under the D-rings at the top of the bos'n chair and wrap a half-hitch around the falls. Add another half-hitch and you are seriously locked in.
My falls are set up with 1/2 yachtbraid so it is easy on the hands and has a working load of well over 1000lbs so I don't shy away from that second helping of pasta.
Can also be used as a 50 foot-long vang!