Bosun's Chair

[rnjpinz]

I seem to be spending alot of time in my bosun's chair lately. I don't mind heights but what I do mind is how tightly it is wrapped around me. I swear my kidneys are going to burst if I am in it for more than 10 minutes. I need some advice on a more comfortable chair. Any recommendations????

Bob

[bangkaboat]

I'm using an ATN mast climber & have the same issue. Of course, losing 20 lbs. wouldn't hurt me & could make a difference.

I'm thinking about going into the human trafficking business; kidnapping kids to sell to sailors as mast-climbers.

[Jentine]

My bosn's chair has a board sewn into the bottom acting as a spreader. It never collapses.

[rnjpinz]

I like the idea about using children, unfortunately, in the US that would be considered "child endangerment".

My chair also has a board, however, I think I have the small child version or me thinks my rear bumper is too wide.. Alright, I could stand to lose 20 lbs.

Bob

[Lancerbye]

Mine has a padded rigid bottom with two ties going up between your legs and attaching to the sides. It is pretty old.

[boden36]

I agree, all the ones I have owned have been torture devices! There would be a market for a fibreglass chair designed like the seat that you strap a child into in the car.
Regards,
Richard.

[Hydra]

Instead of a bosun's chair, I use a climbing harness (the one I used for mountaineering), because I think it is safer (no risk of falling out of it when the belt is tightened).

And for comfort, I added 2 "stirrups", loops of webbing to put my feet into and take my weight, to avoid restricting the blood flow in the legs. This way, I can either sit in the harness or stand on the stirrups, depending on the work to be done.

Many times, I have been aloft in this gear for hours without notable discomfort.

Alain

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Jentine

My bosn's chair has a board sewn into the bottom acting as a spreader. It never collapses.

+1

Mine is comfortable, although it is a no-name el-cheapo.

I also wear a Petzl climbing harness as a safety.

[rnjpinz]

Alain,

Thank you for your suggestion. I actually have 2 or 3 climbing harnesses at my office and this weekend I will use your suggestion. You are right, I will be more comfortable this way.

Thanks again,

Bob

[Cascadian]

Old climbing trick for belay seats. Use a piece of PVC with notches cut into each end. Put in between the straps/ropes above your lap to spread them, keeping the rig from collapsing on you. Of course, you could get fancy and use a portaledge with a harness.

[Acedude]

Originally Posted by Hydra

Instead of a bosun's chair, I use a climbing harness (the one I used for mountaineering), because I think it is safer (no risk of falling out of it when the belt is tightened).

And for comfort, I added 2 "stirrups", loops of webbing to put my feet into and take my weight, to avoid restricting the blood flow in the legs. This way, I can either sit in the harness or stand on the stirrups, depending on the work to be done.

+1

- Nick

[roverhi]

The ATN Mast Climber has been one of the best investments in boat maintenance that I've made. I can go up the mast whenever I want without the need of anyone to crank and tail me up the mast. The seat is comfortable and will get me above the mast head to work at the very top.

[Cascadian]

Holy moly. 350 dollars for a jumar? This is definitely a place where it will be cheaper and better to cross with climbing equipment. Use a pair of ascenders and back up with clove hitch on a locking carabiner.