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Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Aluminum extension ladder up mast

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Richard Tripp
Deckhand

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11 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/28/2002 : 21:17:30

We are new sailors with an 81 SK. Standard rig with roller furling jib. It was a job stepping the mast with no experience, never having seen it come down. I would like not to do that again until next spring. Of course a few weeks after we had a few trial runs & some practice both the steaming lite & anchor lites would burn out. About 2 weeks apart. My question is, can one use a 24 foot ladder lashed to the forward side of the mast to climb it? I intend to use the main halyard as a backup, & use some sort of belt or rope around the mast as one would climb a power pole. I am 6 feet tall so I wouldn't need to climb the last 4-5 rungs. I intend to run the halyard back through a jib sheet block to a cockpit self tailing winch???? Any coments/sugestions would be helpful thanks dick t on Windtamer in Lake Mead Marina. Nv.

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wmuchmore
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2002 : 22:18:51

I have seen it done. There was a Catalina, probably a 27 or 30, in my marina that I saw with an extension ladder tied to the mast. So, it can be done.

Mike Muchmore
"Calamity Jane" #2083

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Richard Tripp
Deckhand

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11 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2002 : 23:45:17

Thanks I think we will give it a try this weekend. I'll let you know if it doesn't work out. dick t Windtamer #2270

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jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2002 : 23:51:10

Richard,

I use an extension ladder routinely to maintain stuff at the spreader level.

Put a rubber cushion, like a welcome mat or something, at the base to put the base of the ladder on. Otherwise, there may be too much pressure per sq inch on the deck to avoid cracking.

I first tie lines from the bottom of the ladder to the shroud base, to keep the base of the ladder from working away from the mast base. Usually the ladder base about 18 inches from the mast base. Then I go half way up and tie two more lines to the shrouds. At the top of the ladder I tie two more lines to near where the spreaders attach to the mast. It's pretty sturdy.

Still a good idea to tie on a safety harness and attach it to the jib halyard so someone can belay you up and down.

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958

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Richard Tripp
Deckhand

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11 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2002 : 00:15:55

Thanks I hadn't thought of putting any thing underneath to spread the load but that would make sense. I had also thought about lashing it directly to the mast and not have any space between the mast and the base of the ladder. I'll look close at that to see which feels most comfortable. thanks dick t Windtamer #2270

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2002 : 00:26:49

Richard - personally I'd feel much safer in a bosun's chair...
Derek

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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2002 : 23:22:28

Richard,
I recently used a extension ladder to get up to the spreader level and do some work, it worked well. But I agree with Derek, a bosun's chair is much more versatile. (I just do not own one and had to borrow one once). That will definitely be my next tool to add to the box,
Steve Steakley,
Moon Chaser

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Richard Tripp
Deckhand

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11 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2002 : 23:31:55

We're in the same position of not owning a bosuns chair & think that will be something we will look for. We will keep our ears open & may see if someone at the Marina has one. There are a lot of larger sailboats there. thanks for your input. dick t Windtamer #2270

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Dave Seely
1st Mate

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46 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2002 : 09:32:48

The guy that docks next to me at the sailing club has something that looks like a rope ladder with plastic tube steps. The steps are only about 8" wide but the whole thing rolls up and fits in a bag about 1 cubic foot. He pulls it up the mast with a halyard and ties it off at the bottom of the mast. It's not nearly as safe as a bosuns chair but it doesn't require a second person to use winch you up. I'll ask him where he got it next time I see him. It looks like something that would be handy to have around.

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nate
Navigator

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240 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2002 : 09:42:36

Dick,
I saw you at the sail club meeting two months ago and didn't get the chance to introduce myself. I have my C25 over on C docks at the marina and would be willing to help you drop your rig or try the ladder method you describe. I have a gin pole/A-frame rig I use to raise/lower my stick that you are welcome to use. I will be out at the lake Sat/Sun if you want to swing by or hail "Heeling Properties"
on Ch 68. I also plan to attend the Heat Wave party on Saturday that the club is hosting so maybe I'll see you there.
Nate Adams

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Richard Tripp
Deckhand

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11 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2002 : 11:26:48

Nate,I appreciate your offer of help & we'll look you up tomorrow. We are going up tonite. We are on A dock #215. Thanks again dick t on Windtamer.

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2002 : 13:58:43

I have mentioned this before on this forum, but here goes again: Brion Toss, a master rigger, taught me a trick with a bosun's chair that I will share. He suggests 2 "ratchet blocks" and a long peice of line, 5/16, or, better, 3/8. The line goes on the becket of the ratchet block hoisted to the masthead (I use the jib halyard). The black is "clicked" so that it "ratchets" and will not let the line back up. Then the line comes down through the second ratchet block, attached to the chair. Then in goes up through the ratchet block at the masthead (prerigged, of course), then down to deck level. With this system, a relatively small person can hoist himself or herself up the mast. A second person is great, of course, to help pull, but the weight is much, much less than a direct hoist. No winches are necessary. I always use the spinnaker halyard as a second, safety line, which can be tended by the second "puller" on deck. Of course this takes a chair, 80' of line or so, and two ratchet blocks. I have had my system for years; used it on my old Tartan 30 much more than the Cat, but I have loaned it out several times. Give it some thought.........I don't know how to attach a picture, so I hope my explanation works. Let me know if I can clarify.....

Gary B.
Encore! SK/SR #685 near Portland, OR

P.S. You must "unclick" the ratchet block on the chair, or you'll never come down! I leave the one at the masthead locked, so decent is very slow, but quite safe.....Friction keeps the line from coming through very fast....

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2002 : 17:57:33

Gary - we use a similar system on the 50' Catamaran at the coast - it's mast is 65' high off the deck (!) and we had to find an easier way to get the skipper to the top! We use a 4-1 tackle run to the masthead with the main halyard. The bosun's chair is attached to the bottom block and the free end of the line goes thru' a snatch block at mast base and then to the windlass! I step on the switch and up he goes!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Derek - who's going sailing again on Sunday!!!<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

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nate
Navigator

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240 Posts

Response Posted - 09/02/2002 : 14:38:16

Richard,
Sorry I missed you at the lake this weekend....some friends said you hailed me on Saturday but I didn't get out to the marina until about 2:00 and then we headed over to the club outing at the sail beach.
Did you get up your rig over the weekend? How did it go?
Nate

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2002 : 01:31:30

What Gary described is essentially a large VANG assembly, a four part block and tackle arrangement. Only difference is that it's got ratchet blocks.

Get lots of line on it (four times the height of the mast for a four part tackle), hoist the top block ALL the way up the mast, and then pull yourself up with the bottom block on the bosun's chair.

We used a basic vang with a cam cleat on the bottom (chair) end without the ratchet blocks, although our surveyor did use Gary's equipment.

The beauty of the vang and/or ratchet is that one doesn't have to depend on having someone winch them up (or down!), which, after all, is a lot less mechanical purchase.

We use the same chair with longer line on our new (to us) C34. Still works.

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 No. 224 1986 on 09/05/2002 01:33:05

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