5 replies to this topic

[tomfla]

Still trying to select which mast steps would be best for me. Only looking to add a couple so I can deal with attaching a main halyard to a square top that needs to be about seven feet above the deck to attach (the other option is to go to a pin head and lose sail aloft and cost money to get the main recut).

I ran across these while searching the internet. I like the ability to remove them when under sail so no added windage and easy to install, not sure about holes in the mast, but I guess you could put some rubber plugs in.

Anyone ever used them.

http://sailing.about...Mast_Steps1.htm

[Pinching]

Never used 'em.

We use the fold up type (2 steps) which gets me to the top of the stack on a 40 footer. These are pretty narrow steps -- handy to install among the halyards coming to the deck on either side of the mast.



http://www.defender....2069&id=1280218

[Pinching]

BTW, my stick is aluminum -- if yours is carbon, it's probably a whole different animal to install steps properly

[tomfla]

Never used 'em.

We use the fold up type (2 steps) which gets me to the top of the stack on a 40 footer. These are pretty narrow steps -- handy to install among the halyards coming to the deck on either side of the mast.



http://www.defender....2069&id=1280218

Saw those and that is what the first two are that are already on the boat. They also make that model in fiberglass which is suppose to be lighter, quieter, and when installing them you tape sandpaper to the mast over the holes and shape the step to the mast shape to eliminate spaces or the need for shims. Also eliminate any worries about metals not working or playing well with others.

Since I will only be installing two steps and not very high up I will probably go with this type. They seem to be sturdy, easy to get, easy to install, and at maybe four feet above the deck there should not be an issue with fouling lines.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_100545_-1?cid=chanintel_google&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=100545

[bluelaser]

Never used 'em.

We use the fold up type (2 steps) which gets me to the top of the stack on a 40 footer. These are pretty narrow steps -- handy to install among the halyards coming to the deck on either side of the mast.



http://www.defender....2069&id=1280218

Saw those and that is what the first two are that are already on the boat. They also make that model in fiberglass which is suppose to be lighter, quieter, and when installing them you tape sandpaper to the mast over the holes and shape the step to the mast shape to eliminate spaces or the need for shims. Also eliminate any worries about metals not working or playing well with others.

Since I will only be installing two steps and not very high up I will probably go with this type. They seem to be sturdy, easy to get, easy to install, and at maybe four feet above the deck there should not be an issue with fouling lines.

http://www.westmarin...4&ci_sku=100545

Just one thing to think about - are they going to be in the way when you(or your bowman) is jumping halyards? I know I'd kill my owner for putting a step like that anywhere below the halyard exits on the mast. Just something to think about.

[Left Hook]

Not sure "removable" is what you want. J/122's came with these: http://www.sheridanm...ct/folding-step installed and they're the cats pajamas. Fold em out to get to the top of the stack and then they fold right up and out of the way.



I've also seen mast mounted carbon instrument pods which have reinforced foot steps cut out of the side. Those are pretty gucci as well. Will see if I can find a pic.