Mast Steps

[Bolo]

Recently I’ve been plagued with a 0.0 reading on my Raymarine i60 wind instrument which I think is due to either a dirty connection at the mast head or a bad wind transducer. After doing all I could do with the display (checking settings, taking voltage reads and so on) I’ve asked my yard to go up the mast to inspect and clean the connections of the wind transducer (which may well be the problem) and if that doesn’t solve the problem pull the transducer down so I can send it, along with the display to Raymarine for repair or replacement since the warranty is still in effect.

But why not go up the mast myself you say? Although my previous career did involved going up to high places and even flying around in helicopters with the door open (I was a commercial photographer) I’m not afraid of heights…just falling. I weigh in at 200 lbs. and am 73 years old so I’m not as limber as I use to be although I’m in good shape. Just the thought of my first mate or even a male volunteer cranking me up the mast just doesn’t appeal to me. So I was thinking, why not install mast steps on my E32-3 so I can climb up while using a halyard at the same time as a safety line?

Have any of you installed mast steps? Is it a good idea or bad one? Have you found them useful because I could have used them more than a few times now? When you installed them did you pop rivet them in place or drill and tap? How far apart should the mast step be and I’m assuming that the best would be folding steps?

 

[Rivergirl7]

Bolo, we’ve been pouring over posts today about leaking at the mast for our 32-3, and your posts figure prominently on so many repair items. We thank you, and all those who contribute to this forum! Re: mast steps. The captain has used them earlier this year for the first time, as he is in the same physical position as you. They locked into the sail luff track, and pulled up with the main halyard. The steps are about a foot apart, maybe a little less. He trialed wearing his Keens, but found a trail shoe or supportive sneaker to handle better on his feet as the nylon strap tightens around your foot. We also have other mast climbing systems that came with our boat that include a belt with a seat, and we used that as a safety harness attached to a spare halyard. I only had to tighten the spare halyard through its block as he ascended the mast, then unblocked it when he descended. We used it to put on new spreader boots, which was a stretch because of the distance from the mast, but it worked. LMK if questions

 

[Bolo]

Bolo, we’ve been pouring over posts today about leaking at the mast for our 32-3, and your posts figure prominently on so many repair items. We thank you, and all those who contribute to this forum! Re: mast steps. The captain has used them earlier this year for the first time, as he is in the same physical position as you. They locked into the sail luff track, and pulled up with the main halyard. The steps are about a foot apart, maybe a little less. He trialed wearing his Keens, but found a trail shoe or supportive sneaker to handle better on his feet as the nylon strap tightens around your foot. We also have other mast climbing systems that came with our boat that include a belt with a seat, and we used that as a safety harness attached to a spare halyard. I only had to tighten the spare halyard through its block as he ascended the mast, then unblocked it when he descended. We used it to put on new spreader boots, which was a stretch because of the distance from the mast, but it worked. LMK if questions

Thanks for the reply and suggestion but I was thinking of something more “permanent“ and ready to use at a moments notice. I also want to use the lower steps to more easily reach the head of my sail, when it’s in the sail ba, to attach the main halyard. I need to stand on my toes to reach it when connecting. Plus I have a Tides Track installed so I’m thinking that the “strap” steps opulent be compatible.

 

[Christian Williams]

I have considered mast steps, but they're a bear to install, create foul and aesthetic issues, and wouldn't really get used much.

Also, although convenient, they are not easy to use, and don't solve the problem of not being 35 years old.

 

[Bolo]

….and don't solve the problem of not being 35 years old.

I hear you there!