[JamHass]

This has been a great thread. Let me start by noting a couple of disclosures:
1. I am one of Matt's satisfied customers
2. I am a former rock climber
3. (Contrary to Matt's statement) I'm over 60 (thanks Matt!)

All that said, let me amplify Brion's (and other's) cautions that some form of fall protection is necessary, and that applies to any mast steps. In my opinion, ALL one can ask of any mast steps is to make the task of getting up there less strenuous, and that alone makes it safer. I climbed my mast many times before installing Matt's steps, and I've tried probably all methods, from hand-over-hand to prussiks & Jumars, and several rigs and proprietary methods. None are as easy as steps, and Matt's work very well.

I noticed a comment that the two screws/rivets might not be sufficient. I am an engineer, and I'm not concerned. The load will always be static, limited to the climbers weight, and on the order of 10% of the shear strength of 2 1/4-inch screws. I have cleats and other fittings held with 2 1/4 inch bolts threaded into the mast that take far greater loads.

The small size can be seen as an advantage: they certainly do NOT give you a false sense of security, so there is a very good chance the average sailor will actually use a proper belay.

All in all, I am very pleased with the results, and recommend them. With luck, the time I spent installing them will reduce the chance I'll need them "in anger" (fat chance.)

Jim