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ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts
Initially Posted - 09/04/2007 :  17:13:43  Show Profile  Visit ddlyle's Homepage
I'd like some opinions please ....
I want to replace my spreader boots, or at least tape them up real good, and I <b>really </b> don't want to un-step the mast.

I was thinking of using a ladder on the foredeck (leaning against the mast), having the admiral steady it, and climbing up to see if I could reach the end of the spreader.

She offered to go up in a (borrowed) bosun's chair, but I don't know if I'm up to cranking her up.

Comments/suggestions?
Thanks
Cap'n Dave
Sailing The Blues
1986 C25 sr/sk #5413
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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts
Response Posted - 09/04/2007 :  17:37:14  Show Profile
Bos'n chair is the way to go.

However, if I were to use a ladder, I'd probably spend more time securing it than I would spend lowering the mast.

You don't have to unstep the mast, you only have to lower it.
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ct95949
Captain

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Aruba
300 Posts
Response Posted - 09/04/2007 :  19:02:08  Show Profile
Spreader work is easy with an extension ladder. I ratchet strapped one to the mast to work on my deck light and rig lazy jacks. The shrouds provide a hand hold and something to lean against. Above the spreaders I've used a bosuns chair.
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 09/04/2007 :  20:25:44  Show Profile
I used an extension ladder against the mast w/ safety tie-offs to reach my spreaders...
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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts
Response Posted - 09/05/2007 :  09:41:42  Show Profile
Since work is planned at the ends of the spreaders, I personally would feel more comfortable with a bosun's chair which could swing out to where I want to be rather than reaching that last inch and falling off a ladder.
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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts
Response Posted - 09/09/2007 :  12:14:14  Show Profile
I'll second Paul's statement. Using a ladder boggles the mind, with a person on so precarious a perch reaching off to the spreader ends and then taping something or other is the stuff that nightmares are made of for me. WAKE ME UP, PLEASE.

Best yet is to put it off til you are going to lower the mast for some other reason and then tape the spreader ends. Taping the ends is usually a cosmetic thing so it can wait.

Val on Calista # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.
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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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3321 Posts
Response Posted - 09/09/2007 :  13:03:38  Show Profile
Buy or borrow a "butt bucket" aka a bosun's chair and get someone to haul you to the spreaders. Using a ladder is ridiculous and dangerous. With the bosun's chair the job should only take 20 minutes!
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ct95949
Captain

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Aruba
300 Posts
Response Posted - 09/09/2007 :  22:59:31  Show Profile
Spreader boots would be hard to reach from a ladder strapped to the mast but for work at the mast I've found using a ladder much easier than a chair. Speaking of "ridiculous and dangerous" that is exactly how I felt the last time I went to the masthead in a bosuns chair to change a light bulb and if you search the archives you'll find that a lot of people on this forum won't even attempt it.

I'm guessing that the boots need to be replaced or taped to prevent sail chafe which means it needs to be done now. Lowering the mast would require loosening all the shrouds. Instead, why not just loosen the uppers, remove the spreaders from the sockets and bring them to the mast which is still supported by the lowers?
Can a ladder be used instead of a chair? Yes, I've done it and it was very safe.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.