what distance should mast steps have ?

[W3GAC]

I'd also recommend two even steps


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[W3GAC]

I'd also recommend two even steps at top (one on either side of mast). What a difference when you have bigger projects at top. (I did same at arms where for working on/ replacing the deck lights, flag halyards. Recommend the folding type steps for main where you absolutely DON'T want things to catch. I did use the 'triangle' steps on the mizzen. Also wish I had installed then closer than 18"... thought/ and have managed ok for the few times you really have to go up, but 12-14" would be sooo much better, especially at near 70. A lot of folks skimp at the bottom. Make it easy... and it's safer if you have to go up in a storm... which is usually when you have to go up!


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[stillbuilding]

Is it more useful to place the steps so I ascend the mast from forwards or aft?

Maybe not a big issue on a smaller cross-section mast but on a 70' stick probably a few inches difference.

There are usually more halyards on the front of the mast cap than aft, maybe easier to get started at the deck level cos the boom and mainsail are a nuisance.

I have seen some bigger yachts with a winchable elevator on a track on the front of the mast - wonder how practical this is on a 70' rig?


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[MAJICDAN]

My steps are 16 to 18 inches apart, but I have constant problems with one of the hallards getting tangled up on them. I recently was caught out in a squall and could not get my main sail down! I have considered connecting them with webbing or rope. Has anyone else had this problem?

[W3GAC]

All good questions... see you are really thinking this through (before ordering/ drilling any holes?). Mine are centered and on the p/s faces of the mast and don't have trouble accessing climbing up aft or bow side or switching mid- height/ often use spreaders for that, but at top you can just find you need to be on the other side. (I suppose we all have our own method of getting on other side of mast... I go down a step or two, get a good grip on higher step and 'hang' with arm strength while making a quick left to right foot swap in a chosen step, then finish swinging around to other side, and back up on opposite side.) I recommend you always have TWO safety lines... a short 6' or so that you clip to next step as you move up/ down and a halyard that goes down to deck crew (wife) via around a winch drum which they keep just less than tight. If you ever slip... it will be the difference between a fright or a flight (with a likely very very unhappy landing).

Regarding an 'elevator' ride up/ down... the closest I seen/ done is using a variable speed w/ high & low gear shift Milwaukee 24v battery angle drill with a jawed bit that fits your winch like a winch handle. Use the low 0-600 rpm position. Even a small frame assistant can leverage their body against the end of the drill and slowly lift you up at controlled speed using the variable speed trigger. Slow to start... a little faster as you lift off/ get in a rhythm with legs/ arms slip-guiding you you... slow again as you have to work around stays or approaching your work site. A fresh drill battery is good for 4-5 trips up!

BUT, don't want to sound like a nervous ninny but ideally for full safety sake) you really should have a second person tailing the winch. If using the drill/ electric windless on the boat, it is really critical that the climber have/ maintain his own safety lines. It's just too easy for something to go wrong... lines/ wraps coming off the winch head/ operator looses grip tailing, especially if your helpers are new to using the 'lift drill' operation/ tailing. Cruising couples can get very good but extreme caution is in order if you ask non-boating friends/ even other boaters you don't know well.


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[maxingout]

We have folding mast steps and internal halyards. They have been awesome.

The first thing I do when I get in port is climb the mast steps to check the rigging. That way I have time to fix a problem while I am in port. I hate discovering a rigging problem when it is time to leave.

[usdivers61]

Originally Posted by dick sargent

As a firefighter for 25 years and a live-aboard cruiser for 25 years, I am very familiar with ladders. 12" rung spacing was standard because fatigue sets in on fire-ground, as it could under conditions at sea, as well. The only "stirrup" type steps I installed were for working at the masthead. The other steps i installed were "bail" (sp?) styled steps on the forward side of my masts. Interestingly, just as on the fire ground, I could scurry (sp?) up the mast with little thought to fitting my feet in stirrups. Would install stirrup steps only as a last resort.

As a paramedic, I was also wondering about the fatigue factor. Kids on board and a very petite partner also had me considering a shorter span. Living in a marina has its perks. Had the fam try climbing different spans in the marina and came up with a group decision of folding steps every 350mm.

[OldManMirage]

I consider mast steps essential safety gear. If something is happening such as a jammed halyard I wouldn't want to waste time trying to winch someone up the mast. Plus its just risky. Lines can slip through fingers, mistakes can be made. I'd much rather just climb using a harness to strap myself in as I go up.

These steps from Sea Dog are what I like.
https://www.defender.com/product.jsp...537&id=1774178

Light but strong, fold up and cause little windage.

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by W3GAC

I'd also recommend two even steps at top (one on either side of mast).

That's a darned good idea!