ratlines, how to build

[Rhosyn Mor]

Does anyone have any suggestions for where one may go to work out how to build wooden stepped ratlines? or can point me in the right direction,
thanks
RM

[skipmac]

I've seen it done in the past using a rope tied under the wood steps. Was a long time ago and don't remember exactly the technique but probably something like a Prussic. I found another method at this link Ratlines but would be concerned about corrosion on the wire under this type of attachment.

Have you thought about rope ratlines?

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by skipmac

I've seen it done in the past using a rope tied under the wood steps. Was a long time ago and don't remember exactly the technique but probably something like a Prussic ...

Exactly; but all of the common methods of fixing rat-lines to shrouds only work well if the shrouds diverge towards the deck (converge towards the top). The steps slip down, if the shrouds converge at the deck.

[steleehin]

Originally Posted by skipmac

I've seen it done in the past using a rope tied under the wood steps. Was a long time ago and don't remember exactly the technique but probably something like a Prussic. I found another method at this link Ratlines but would be concerned about corrosion on the wire under this type of attachment.

Have you thought about rope ratlines?

what knot do you use on the other side of the prussic ? rolling hitch?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by steleehin

what knot do you use on the other side of the prussic ? rolling hitch?

Well I haven't actually installed them myself, just admired them on a couple of other boats. All the installations I've seen were just on the fore and aft lower shrouds up to the spreaders.

The rope installations I looked at did have the problem of sag from pulling the shrouds together when you stepped on them. The wooden rung versions were nice the installation as I recall it was a little more involved.

[Amgine]

Never done it myself, but most of the ones I've seen personally use no knot at all. The rope is seized to the friction-taped shroud.