tophatyachts.com

Hi All,
I'm responding to killicks query re rerigging with mast in place, one stay/shroud at a time.
Ive got a set of "mast mate" webbing steps that one hauls up the mainsail track. They work well, although when new the 'rungs' are difficult to find with your feet, which is a little scary. I chose to do it this way because I was broke, wanted the experience and besides, always tend to bite off a bit more then I can comfortably chew... If I have to rig again John, I don't thinl I will do it this way. I've spent too many hours up the wretched pole working through the next simple problem (like a stripped head on a spreader screw) that has become really difficult because I only have one hand available, fumble and drop a vital thingo, or I run out of juice In my drill etc. The other thing is the weather. Some jobs have taken weeks while I wait for appropriate weekend mast climbing conditions! Too wet, too windy, too choppy.
Now that I've seen Bears wonderful post re dropping the mast, I reckon that's how I'll go next time. Take all of the wires off at once and bring them to my rigger (John at Whalespar at peats
ridge- generous with advice and reasonable prices I've found) and do it all in one go.
I'm chuffed that I've overcome my fear of heights a little and that I can fo stuff up there without taking out the mast, but for the rigging... No thanks.
If you ever need another boat to help lift your mast as per Bear, give me a shout, I'll be glad to help. by the way, When I'm finished with my present mission, you are welcome to borrow my mast steps. Best of luck with whatever you decide, come back if you need more details re this project,
regards, Brian

Hi Brian,

I have been thinking about getting a Mastmate. A few questions:
Did you buy in Aust?
What size did you get and what did it cost?
Did you buy the mast strap as well and do you use a second halyard as a safety line on a harness or boson's chair?
How comfortable is it once at the top?

I think I will use a pro. to do the whole job when my rigging needs to be done next(probably 2014). I have found David Rooke at Roospar gives excellent advice and service and he is based at West Gosford.

Cheers,
Mark
Storm Petrel
Pretty Beach

Hi Mark,
Hi Mark,
I bought it in Aus, (Melbourne) from mastmates agent.. Richard; 03 96454081. It cost 300 incl postage. They didn't have a 27' in stock so I Was lucky to get the next size at a reduced rate. It is relatively comfortable, though the 'straight' leg does get tired. I did not buy the belt,I use my sailing safety tether to anchor me, and usually have a halyard attached for extra safety, though when descending it's usually more of a nuisance ... I use a tool belt stuffed with what I think I'll need, including dental floss (!) to keep nuts or split pins attached to me that I often might fumble and drop. (I learned the hard way)
Overall I'm pleased with it and now feel safe enough to go aloft unaided which is terrific as my missus (Marion) sometimes feels pressganged into wasting her weekends...

Feel free to borrow mine to test or come over and try mine when next I'm up. Next weekend weather permitting. Either way is cool. Though this weather is killing one plan after another, so it might suit you to just borrow it for a bit when I'm done.
I hope I've answered your question, I don't regret spending the dough, the control I feel in Being able to go to the top at any time is terrific.
Cheers, Brian
Cheers. Brian

G'day Brian,

Thanks for all the information. I think I will buy a ladder and leave it on the boat. I am running in the Bay to Bay next Sunday so I do not think I will get a chance to get down to the boat, but I am sure I will catch up soon in the channel or outside.

Cheers,
Mark
'Storm petrel'

Hi Brian, thanks for the information. I hear what you say about the frustration and time to do DIY one at a time replacement. The cost saving is a factor, so I will not discount the DIY option. I should get quote(s) for complete professional job and also quotes for make up of stays/spars and then fit them myself when I do the antifoul (however concerned that this will mean a long time on the dry and tackling too many jobs at one time. I think the antifoul, treating any osmosis, seacocks, painting stripe and polishing hull will be a saga on their own. Does anyone know cost of complete pro re-rig, pro make up of stays/shrouds? When the weather permits I will go and measure the thickness of stays/shrouds on my boat (which might not be the same as original size). What size wires should be used on a TH? Brian it seems you had some issues with the fittings on the mast (a real PITA I can imagine). What were they? Did you have to replace anything on the mast? What condition were the spreaders in?
Thanks, John

Rigging wire dia: Generally 3/16", but some Top Hatters go for 7/32".

Cheers,
Mark

My rigging wire is 3/16.
I was quoted 3000.00 plus crane at 400.00 for a professional job.
My backstay including a fixed split bridle (lots of hardware)was 270.00. Lower shrouds were<100.00ea and I'm expecting <200.00 ea for capshrouds. I plan for <200 for my forestay when I get to it. All in all not a bad saving. The problem with the spreader was really simple, just a corroded/stripped fastener which I had to drill out. Would of been Simple on the deck, but up the mast complicated it for me. A more skilled person might have solved it another way...
The only thing I'd do differently next time would be to drop the mast ala bears post.
Cheers, Brian

G'Day all,
I talked to a rigger today at the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club.
He quoted about $2,600 for a Top Hat. That is using a mast crane at the club and based on a recently re rigged 26ftr that is still at the club. That boat had problems with tang bolts and fittings too so it seems pretty common to have corroded fittings. That is using grade 5 wire (5mm), the next size is Grade 6 5.5mm.
Doing it professionally, with Bryan Philips, of Swansea is the way I intend to go. Call me old fashioned. (MMTS). I also don't have any mates, sniff sniff!
THis has been brought about by the insurance inspections. There are currently 4 boats here that are waiting on masts to be rerigged. One boat had a very old setup, 12 years. Talking to the insurance company they would have given him only 10% of the replacement cost of the mast and rigging. Bryan said the problem is the rigging screws (turnbuckles, thingos at the bottom of the stays, whatever you want to call them) are only guaranteed by the manufacturer for 5 years for racing and 10 years for cruising. I think that is very short, but that is what they are working on!
I've been on an S & S 34 that lost its rig off Maroubra and the swages showed absolutely no sign of failure. The port lower failed deep inside the swage. I've been on another boat that lost two masts, but that is another story. It gets easier each time, but I don't want mine to be next.
I'll put another post up about the insurance report.
Happy sailing, Greg.

Hello Mr Greg

Sure your not cursed ? Seems a lot of boats you sail on, the stick disappears over side ?

Bear

Hey Bear, I was going to ask you about that, Is that the reason you haven't asked me for a sail yet??

Greg (the solo sailor)