Steve:
I've had my ATN Top Climber for about 15 years (or more). I typically
use it for things like placing/removing wind transducers, checking on the
antenna connection, re-taping spreader boots (discussed below), that sort of
thing. I bought it when I had my 34 because I rarely had any help. It does
make it easier when going aloft to be away from the mast a little at the
base. I typically run a halyard to a block on the babystay track, which
moves the line a foot or two away from the mast at the deck. I've found
that having a little space at the spreaders helps to get around them. I
also run the line to a winch to get it tight, which is needed to facilitate
going up and coming down. If the line is not taut, the mechanism doesn't
work smoothly. Even being a foot or two away from the mast at the base, the
line gets closer and closer to the mast as you climb (obviously), so when
you get to the top you're snug to the mast.
The problem with working on spreader boots with the ATN chair is that
it's difficult to get away from the mast. As described above, the static
line used for climbing is taut and relatively close to the mast. As a
result, you're confined to this area. If you move the block out to the toe
rail, this will get you a lot closer to the spreader tip on that side, but
you will also be much further away from the mast for a greater climbing
distance. I would not suggest going to the toe rail unless I was
specifically working on spreaders, and you would need to change the set up
from side to side. Instead, I try to find a second person to hoist me the
old fashioned way (on a winch) when working on spreaders so I'm free to move
away from the mast.
I typically use a retired halyard for the static line to protect the
cover on my halyards. (I tie a bowline to a halyard and raise it.) You
lose a couple inches at the top of the mast, but I stand out of the chair at
the masthead anyway.
Overall, it's a good product, but it has some limitations. And climbing
aloft isn't for everybody.
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Thomas via CnC-List
Sent: Friday, March 17, 2017 4:05 PM
To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Cc: Steve Thomas
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 :^(
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