Mast Steps - Necessary, or Semi-Useless

Tom Hildebrandt · 09-11-2009, 10:15

I have mast steps, the aluminum triangular kind with a flat step. They are excellent for getting aloft but you do need to run some 2-3 mm line around the steps to keep everything from fouling. I did not have them on my last boat which had ratlines to the spreaders, now I could not imagine cruising without the steps.I hardly ever use them for the coral watch thing though. I have had to use them to go up once while at sea, it was not fun but I do not suppose a bosun chair or the like would have been any better. When I have crew I am in a chair as well so I have a work seat at whatever height I wish to be, but by myself, it is just the steps.

t

never had to use themThe ability to go aloft if things get fouled is why I like the idea. , ratlines would be easier

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09-11-2009, 10:15	#1
Tom Hildebrandt Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Travelling on Juno, currently in Venzuala Boat: S/V Juno Radford 40 Posts: 72	I have mast steps, the aluminum triangular kind with a flat step. They are excellent for getting aloft but you do need to run some 2-3 mm line around the steps to keep everything from fouling. I did not have them on my last boat which had ratlines to the spreaders, now I could not imagine cruising without the steps.I hardly ever use them for the coral watch thing though. I have had to use them to go up once while at sea, it was not fun but I do not suppose a bosun chair or the like would have been any better. When I have crew I am in a chair as well so I have a work seat at whatever height I wish to be, but by myself, it is just the steps. t never had to use themThe ability to go aloft if things get fouled is why I like the idea. , ratlines would be easier