4:1 mast climber

[ExTerra]

Originally Posted by ExTerra

Thank you Brion. Would the ratcheting fiddle block go in place of one of the others or in line/tandem? Trying to picture this. We would also need new line. We do work a bit on our strength and hope to 'sail' into our mid 60's in decent health so can understand where you are coming from about strength exercises. I think my husband has fewer issues than I do in that regard.

I have been looking for the ratcheting fiddle block and there seem to be quite a variety of them. Is there a specific one or size you recommend?

[Ian McColgin]

Just an aside on a different approach that uses less line and has less tangle. Essentially a single block at the top and a block down by the deck held in place by a bit of bungee cord. Hoist to your harness and fall down, through that lower block, and up between your legs to your harness just not slack. Put two ascenders on the fall with suitable leg loops. And up you go. Some people like both legs on one ascender and the other to hold while you raise it, allowing the strength of both legs in the pull up. I like them one per leg and I make them a bit longer than most folk so that my body is fairly straight going up, not bending my knees much. Whatever is comfortable. As you go up, the slack is taken up below you. You still want a safety around the mast that will bind and stop you if something breaks and to keep you near the mast if conditions are boisterous.

I find that the push down with my legs, which also unloads my weight on the hoist, makes the effort actually easier than climbing a ladder.

G'luck

[ExTerra]

Thank you Ian. Definitely a different approach.

[jim252]

Thought I'd jump in here and say that I've tried out Ian's method of going aloft, and it works very well. A bit slow, but very safe and controlled.
-Jim