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mangomike2 · 19-03-2011, 08:05

Hi
Hope this is the right forum to ask this?
I'm looking for removable mast steps? I have looked all over the net ,but 0. any ideas?
I'm new here so ,which forum would be the best to ask questions about routes to the Bahamas?
Thanks
m

**GordMay** · 19-03-2011, 08:06

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, mangomike2.

Not removable, but these look interesting
➥ http://www.blanchardrigging.com/mast-steps.html
➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...eps-15737.html

I cannot recommend the ➥ http://www.mastmate.com/
➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ers-10742.html

See also ➥ http://www.google.com/cse?siteurl=ww...climbing&sa=Go

The Bahamas will be covered in the Destinations Forum, specifically Atlantic & Caribbean.
Here ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f19/

You can search the CruisersForum
Here ➥ http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=01...%3A2lb6ozabif0

smurphny · 19-03-2011, 09:04

Don't forget, you heard it first here. Hope you can picture this. I made removable mast steps by welding up triangular steps, stirrups from 1.25"X.125" s.s. bar stock with a sharp folded bend in the top, folded over 1.125". These are bent, using just one weld where they come together. Then made flat "pockets" for these to slide into. These are s.s. riveted permanently 20" o.c. up the mast w/ four .1875 pop rivets. These are stowed until needed, so are not up there like permanent steps to tangle lines or create weight/windage. Works out very well. Just have to be careful not to catch and dislodge them when climbing. I can climb the mast unassisted, using my tether wrapped around the mast as a safety line. If you had someone else to help, you would use a halyard as a safety.

**GordMay** · 19-03-2011, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurphny

... Then made flat "pockets" for these to slide into. These are s.s. riveted permanently 20" o.c. up the mast w/ four .1875 pop rivets...

Can you post pic of "pockets"?

smurphny · 19-03-2011, 09:40

Don't have any pix here but they are straps made out of the same 1 1/4"s.s. as steps, about 4.5" long, bent up-flat-down-flat so that there is a void between mast and strap to accept the bent end of the step. There are four rivets on EACH side.
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smurphny · 19-03-2011, 09:47

Can't get a drawing to work because the website deletes spaces.

smurphny · 19-03-2011, 12:55

Here's a little sketch. Also, am sure I used 5/16, not 1/8 s.s. Don't have one here to measure up. Drawing not to scale.

mangomike2 · 19-03-2011, 13:52

That is a better mousetrap. No way I can do that though, would you like to make/sell me two?
I had ordered a full set back in 2001 ,but I guess the guy is out of biz. Yours is a MUCH better design .

maxingout · 19-03-2011, 15:07

We have aluminum folding mast steps (similar to the Blanchard design) on board Exit Only, and we have the Mast Mate. I have used both systems, and I like them both. I also like the Mast Mate as a back up man overboard recovery system. I attach the Mate to a spare halyard, and the victim in the water needs to only put an arm/leg or both through the loops of the Mast Mate, and then he can be winched on board with the halyard winch. It's not designed for man overboard recovery, but if there is a water-logged tired person over the side, it may be just what you need to get him back on board. The Mast Mate was one of our back up MOB recovery systems. I still carry it on board after fifteen years.

smurphny · 19-03-2011, 16:23

Mike,
Designed and built these for my own use only. They were easy to make out of readily obtainable s.s. flat stock from any number of internet metals vendors. I'm sure any local metal shop could make some up for you. Really, all you need is a strong vice, a big hammer, drill press, chop saw, some sort of grinder, a dc stick welder, a heavy duty pop rivet gun, and some appropriate welding rods. I could not possibly assume the liability of making them for anyone else. Don't know why something like this isn't available commercially because they solve the problem of having permanent steps to foul halyards and putting unnecessary weight aloft.

mangomike2 · 20-03-2011, 07:03

Hi,

Unfortunately both the talent and tools required to fabricate the steps are beyond my capabilities. But, you're right a local fabricator should be able to make them. For some reason your sketch has disappeared from the postings. If you could e-mail me the sketch, I would certainly appreciate. My e-mail address is
Mangomikw2@earthlink.net
from responses to date it looks as though the person who used to sell the removable steps must be out of business.
Now onto my Bahamas, questions.
Thanks again for your help. m