When you are climbing, you want you line to be as un-stretchable as possible, preferably attached at the bottom (so when you pull the ascender, it moves without pulling the line). You want that line to be a couple of centimeters (an inch?) away from the mast, so that you could move the ascenders freely. It does not matter if you use the climbing ascenders or the ATN attachments; they both need to slide on the line freely (or as freely, as possible).
The loop for keeping you at the mast is much more important when you arrived at your destination (one might assume that you will spend some time there) - you don't want to be tossed around the mast (your knees may not like it). Btw. it just occurred to me (I never tried it myself) - one might want to use some knee pads (like for volleyball) when going up. Marek -----Original Message----- From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Steve Thomas via CnC-List Sent: Friday, March 17, 2017 16:06 To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: Steve Thomas <sthom...@bellnet.ca> Subject: Re: Stus-List Climbing the mast solo All, I have been following this discussion with interest since I just returned to my southern project boat with a so-far unused ATN Top Climber, and intend to use it in the next couple of days. I have taken note in particular to the idea of using a loop(s) to stay at the mast. The designer of the device however, has at least in the past, suggested securing the static line away from the mast because it makes the climb easier. I have not tried it either way, but I like the sound of staying at the mast better. Anyone have comments on this aspect of using the ATN climbing gear? Obviously the boat would have to be pretty steady. On a separate note regarding fall arrest. I had a conversation one time with an accomplished ice climber and asked him what type of line he preferred, nylon or low stretch. He seemed to think that I was a complete idiot for even asking the question, and maybe I was. Anyway, just to save anyone else who has not thought it through from similar embarrassment or injury, you definitely want any line that might arrest a fall to be stretchy. Nylon in other words. I plan therefore to use polyester for the static line, and nylon for any safety fall arrest lines. Steve Thomas C&C36 Merritt Island, FL ---- Joe Della Barba via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: http://www.dellabarba.com/sailing/images/upmast.jpg Working on a topping lift in the Gulf Stream. If you are climbing underway, MAKE SURE you have a loop to hold you near the mast. It does not look rough in that photo, but the swells at 55 feet up were enough to make it hard to hang on, and if you get loose you will hit one or more things pretty hard. Joe Della Barba j...@dellabarba.com <mailto:j...@dellabarba.com> Coquina From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Rick Rohwer via CnC-List Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2017 11:19 PM To: Joel Aronson via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: Rick Rohwer <rickroh...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Stus-List Climbing the mast solo I use the same ascenders with my own concoction of straps but unlike the fellow in the “atninc" ad I prefer a bosun’s chair to a climbing harness. Plenty of pockets for tools and your vitals don’t go numb. These allow you to actually climb above the top of the mast so you can work readily on mast top fittings. Rick Paikea 37+ On Mar 16, 2017, at 8:12 AM, Frederick G Street via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: Ryan — many on the list prefer a standard climbing harness and ascenders for this type of job. I personally prefer to sit while working for long periods of time, so I use the ATN TopClimber (now called the “MastClimber”): http://www.atninc.com/atn-mastclimber-sailing-equipment.shtml I’ve had very good luck with this equipment; in a previous life as a marine electronics installer, I spent a LOT of time up masts, and always felt safe and comfortable. YMMV… — Fred Fred Street -- Minneapolis S/V Oceanis (1979 C&C Landfall 38) -- on the hard in Bayfield, WI :^( _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated! _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
