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barnakiel · 06-04-2011, 06:42

When lubricating frozen ss/alloy stuff avoid lubricants that permit electrical contact. Silicon is a bad choice lanocote is good - etc..

I have found that removal and proper cleaning or replacement are the way to go but in place temporary relief has been brought by e.g. hot water, tapping or running a heavily loaded non-slip rope thru the offending gear.

Access at the top will be probably the most limiting factor.

When at the top you can just clip twice into any dupy hardware to hang from it - climbing harness is good for inspection jobs but if you want to spend any time aloft then a proper bench is better.

b.

capn_billl · 06-04-2011, 07:32

Having the folding steps at the top is a good idea. I was thinking of steps all the way up, but concerned about the weight, and cost. Just two at the top with a ring to clip in a harness would be safe and secure.

gwp · 07-04-2011, 06:51

The foot stirrups will work fine. Been using this for years but along with a chair. Makes it much more comfortable and more importantly it alows you to stand up over the masthead

Joli · 07-04-2011, 07:21

Just tie yourself to the top of the mast.

socasailor · 11-04-2011, 08:12

Thanks for all of the awesome insight and responses. I spoke with a expert climber and he gave the foot loop method (they will be Prusik knots so I can adjust them) a go ahead. He said just as long as I remained properly secured to the 2 halyards I should be fine. Thanks gwp for the added confidence and I'm also picking up some guitar string. That was a BRILLIANT idea! Thanks again everyone and I'll report back my findings.

E.L.Green · 25-04-2011, 11:11

tie a prussic knot which will sinch down and stay solid. loop foot straps to the open and of the prussic and stand on it. i used to be an arborist and everytime i climb masts i use this method. the pressure will not allow to slide unless you physically loosen it by hand. i also use another prussic a little above hip level tied to the bridge of my climbing harness. sliding the prussic up you can inchworm up by sliding the base and letting go will lock the knot so you can operate hands free.

Capt.Don · 25-04-2011, 16:33

Regarding the foot straps looped over the top of the mast - for security, could you tie a horizontal loop around the mast, about 6" below the top, to create a frame to hold the top loop and straps to the mast (kinda like wrapping a gift box)? Then when moving around, the top loop is less likely to slip off the top of the mast.

cat man do · 25-04-2011, 17:41

How close does the spin. or heady halyard get you?

Blue Stocking · 26-04-2011, 04:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joli

Just tie yourself to the top of the mast.

Joli, I have been waiting patiently

for someone to ask--what the h*lls the story behind that shot.

**GordMay** · 26-04-2011, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Joli, I have been waiting patiently

for someone to ask--what the h*lls the story behind that shot.

I’ll bet he was installing a little orange ball atop his VHF antenna. Works a treat for identifying your boat in a crowded anchorage.

**Pete7** · 28-04-2011, 03:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

Joli, I have been waiting patiently

for someone to ask--what the h*lls the story behind that shot.

and bare foot

What is the red light for? just how tall is that mast?

Pete

Eleven · 28-04-2011, 03:30

I've sent personal thanks for that two steps at the top idea. How much easier to work in a cluttered area. All my guying wires ran to the top of the mast. Getting to the lights and vanes right on top was very awkward with the cat sat on the mud.
I'm a little surprised to see a chap standing up there at sea with sails set. A gust or squall would raise even his heart rate a little.