what distance should mast steps have ?

[polo99]

Hi,
we are planning to install,
is 43cm o.k.
are there any constrains we do not no ?
what distance did you choose ??
Thanks
John

[roverhi]

47cm/18 1/2" inches is too much for me. Too difficult to get my foot up that high. Went with 16"/40.6cm on mine. A ladder is 12"/30.5cm between steps just for reference.

[JPA Cate]

Consider that the person with the shortest legs may have to go aloft. Spacing them closer together will be a boon for them. If you don't have "permanent crew" to factor in, then make sure they're a comfortable spacing for you.

Ann

[leftbrainstuff]

Ours are spaced 18" apart on opposing sides.

Im 6' and the spacing is fine but i wouldnt want them any further apart.

Also make sure to line them up with your spreaders.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Jason Flare]

I picked my foot up and set it on a chair. That seemed like a reasonable height. Then I measured the distance between my lower spreaders and upper spreaders and laid out an equal number of spaces between the spreaders that were very close to the chair height.

Then I installed the steps.

I can measure the actual distance if you'd like. Let me know.

[sparrowhawk1]

Jason just beat me to it. whatever distance you decide on, measure the total length that you will be installing the steps on and find a number that is close to that that will go evenly into it. I don't think I can post without editing% another way to do it is to figure out where the top step is going to go which is almost as important as the distance between the steps and have the bottom step a little high

[JPA Cate]

Suggest a pair of steps at a distance below the masthead that allows you to stand and see down on the mast crane, and be able to apply force to screws that need to be undone for replacing masthead light bulbs, wind instruments, etc.

Ann

[ausnp84]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Suggest a pair of steps at a distance below the masthead that allows you to stand and see down on the mast crane, and be able to apply force to screws that need to be undone for replacing masthead light bulbs, wind instruments, etc.

Ann

Definitely on this one - top two sets of steps have them both sides; amazing how much more comfortable it is working on mast head fittings when you can put all your weight on two steps....

n

[polo99]

I figured out 16,9 inch is good up to the first spreader.
So thanks for the tips,
Johannes
MAGIC CLOUD

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Suggest a pair of steps at a distance below the masthead that allows you to stand and see down on the mast crane, and be able to apply force to screws that need to be undone for replacing masthead light bulbs, wind instruments, etc.

Ann

As the person who most often goes aloft on a customer's boat, I cannot be more in agreement with Anne on this point

[barnakiel]

Start marking at the spreaders - up and down ... you save one step like this ... steps are pricey.

Smaller distance, if children or delicate frame girls on board.

Cheers,
b.

[TheThunderbird]

An integral fraction of the length between spreaders
And, having two, or 3, lengths, trying an even spacing is better

[Cheechako]

I had steps on one boat, hated them, noisy in the wind and love to tangle things. I did have a couple steps near the top as Ann suggest on later boats though, Very handy for working at the masthead for sure.

[Lancerbye]

I agree with the two steps at the top. Mine are folding steps 20 in. apart on opposing sides and two at the top 36 in. from the top. I put these in when I was 10 years younger and a lot lighter. Now I wish I had placed them closer together. At 72 I have resigned myself to using a power winch system that I built to go up my 55 foot mast. I still use the two top steps when I get up there.

[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.