Climbing the mast

[ChrisB]

For those with steps attached to the mast....how many do you have?

[Phillip]

I'll count em' tomorrow for you

[Phillip]

2 together at the top so you can stand and work.

Total above spreaders is 8

Total below spreader is 10. Four of which are folding, 1 below the spreader and 3 at deck level to get past the boom.

So, 14 stirrups [Whitworths 50542N ] and 4 folding [Whitworths 50955] total $337
You will need 80 monel 4.8mm rivets ww36648 $79.60
A heavy duty pop rivet gun such as ww65516 $75 Don't try and use a household pop rivet gun as you will get into trouble, monel rivets are very hard to pop.
All joints between steps and mast must be painted [do it on stirrups not mast] to prevent corrosion. 1 x Duralac jointing compound ww59733 $35.

So you are up for $527

I did mine in three stages and when I had finished I just wished I'd done the lot when I had the mast out. I think I spent over 8 hours up there doing it

The mast above the boom

IMG_4490.JPG (1.88 MiB) Viewed 1669 times

Folding steps below the boom

IMG_4491.JPG (2.99 MiB) Viewed 1669 times

[ChrisB]

Thanks Phillip....a comprehensive answer!

[ChrisB]

Well it’s taken sometime but at last I’m ready to start on my mast steps......thanks for the inventory list Phillip.....just one last question....how far apart did you space your steps?

[Phillip]

When this weather improves I'll measure it for you.
As I did it in three stages it sort of just came together.

[Phillip]

mast steps for Top Hat.jpg (758.67 KiB) Viewed 1376 times

This diagram should answer some of your questions

[Lord Chunderguts]

Hello chaps, I'll be adding mast steps soon, as per Phillip's instruziones, can the spreaders be used as part of the mast steps, are they super strong, or is it a grotesque offence to apply downforce onto a part only designed for lateral loads? Thank you, -Will

[Phillip]

Its OK BUUUUT no jumping up or down or down you will go!!!!!

[Lord Chunderguts]

Thank you Phillip, shall make sure never to bring my pogo stick when going topsides.