MastMate opinions

[dscolaro]

Anyone have experience with the MastMate mast climbing system? Are there any negatives (as compared to a bosun's chair) besides the cost and the fact that you may have to take the mainsail out of the track to use it?

For those not familiar with it it can be found here: http://www.mastmate.com

Thanks in advance.

Dan Scolaro
Goccia E31C #28

 

[u079721]

Up the Mast

I wrote an article for Good Old Boat a few years ago on technniques for going up your mast (you can read it here: http://www.boatus.com/goodoldboat/upthemast.htm). I did not like the MastMast, mostly because it felt so incsecure when climbing, and I didn't like the feeling of not being supported. You also can't easily get out to the spreader ends using a mast ladder. And in my case the whole issue was decided when I installed a mast track system anyway.

Personally I used a block and tackle attached to a climbing harness, though for many that might be too much work. In that case I recommend a Top Climber type set up, to use your legs to do the climbing, but again attached to a climbing harness for more security.

 

[Geoff Johnson]

Dunno, but where can you get one of those pinups shown shimmying up the mast on their website? That's the best of all systems.

I bought the competitor - can't remember the name - (it has PVC rungs for stiffness) a few years ago, but haven't used it yet. For security I plan to use a climbing harness attached with an ascender to a spare halyard. For more money you can get an ATN TopClimber, but how does that get to any part of the mast except the top?