Another satisfied customer

"Since most of the days I am working on my Catalina 38 I am alone, I decided to try the Mastmate. The first time I used it I replaced the bulb in a spreader light and only ascended to the first spreaders. I was nervous and hesitant to let go of the mast with one hand but soon found that with the belt I could work with both hands. Next, I had to run new cable and mount a new windvane. I was at the top of the 50’ mast for around two hours and it didn’t take long to get completely comfortable enjoying the view of San Diego from my perch. This is a great product and it’s just a matter of getting used to the height and realizing that using the belt, you are not going to fall. I am 60 years old and was not even breathing hard from the climb. The one time my wife was with me, we used a bosun’s chair for a backup. This is a good idea when your partner does not have the strength to haul you up in the chair. Just keep the slack removed and cleat it off when you arrive at the top. It gives you a means to sit and rest if the job is a long one but is by no means necessary. Only one suggestion: I wouldn’t sell the product without the belt. In my experience, the belt is an essential piece of safety equipment and should always be used when you get to your working height."

7/18/07

Hi,

I just bought a Mast Mate and wanted to provide some feedback.

First, overall – it’s a great product. I was a bit concerned about going aloft but felt very secure with the Mast Mate and Safety Belt.

Suggestions:

I’m fairly athletic and average height. Stepping up to the next “rung” was a bit cumbersome. I would make the steps closer (or just sell the model with the closer steps exclusively). You’ll probably save production cost by moving to one sku and I’m sure even the long leggers will like the feel of being “footed in” with ease. What may not be in the calculation is that you loose a few inches off the height of the step that your foot is in.

I would make the safety belt a mandatory part of the package. Increase the size of the bag so that it is also a storage bag for the entire unit. If you want to get real fancy, sew in some inserts to the bag for the battens (I’m now shopping for a sizeable bag to store everything).

Orient the bag to the front of the safety belt or make it adjustable to the front. It was difficult on the hip, and I’m sure useless on the butt.

Since you don’t provide the mast slides – I’d dump the plastic shackles – I’m not going to use them (they don’t fit anyway) and it makes the product look “cheap.” Recommend shackles or seizing.

Lots of suggestions – but again – it’s a great product, just ideas to make it better.

Stephen

__________________

Stephen;

I really appreciate you taking the time to make your comments and I am glad you are generally pleased with the product. As you can imagine when one makes decisions about design there are always tradeoffs. What you say about the steps distance from one another being a bit of a problem has on occasion been a problem for some customers but usually it was their climbing technique that needed adjustment, ie butt in, body straight, grasp mast above head, wear loose clothes etc, but there were some that had short inseams so we make a model with a shorter distance between steps. The tradeoff , as you surmised, being the step becomes smaller and more difficult to get your foot into especially descending.

The problem with making the workbelt a "no choice" item is that about one third of our customer are experienced climbers and have their own gear, some even have the linesman belt the MMs workbelt is patterned after. Your suggestions about the work pouch and storage bag are good ones and I'll give more consideration to these observations. I also agree about the cheap look of the shackles but looks are deceiving. They are actually tough nylon and after thousands sold I've replaced only a handful. Personally I would whip the slides onto the grommet getting a nice tight fit. Again Stephen, thanks for your suggestions and if you have no objection I will put your comments and this response on the testimonial page of the website.---Gary

Climbed the mast on my Coronado 27 with my new Mastmate today. The steps are too far apart. I am 5-foot-9, 200 pounds, and it was a struggle to get my leg up to each next step. Would probably work better for my 6-1 son, but for the average guy, it's way too hard to lift each leg. Could recommend the product to others of the steps were at 12-14 instead of 16.

Aaron

Aaron;

Sorry to hear you had trouble with the step distance. Most often when customers have a hard time with this it is due to the fact that they are not holding their body straight enough and not grabbing the mast at least head high . Do not grab the steps above, put your hands around the mast at least head high. If the butt sticks out one can not lift their leg as high as if their body was straight against the mast. Also sometimes the clothes worn are too tight and one can not bend their leg adequately. I suggest you try again keeping these points in mind. If it is still too difficult we do make a custom model with steps 14 inches apart at a cost of 12 dollars a foot, you would get full credit for your returned Mast Mate, or you can just return this one and your money will be refunded. ----------Gary

Thanks Gary, I plan to try again later today.

aaron

Hey Gary,

I scaled the mast again today with my mastmate. A few observations:

1. The system works. Despite some difficulty and a learning curve, I don't need winch slaves to grind me up. So from a standpoint of self-reliance, I'm glad I bought it.

2. Standing up straight against the mast does make it easier, as long as you don't have to look at your foot to make the next step. If you have to look, it's hard not to bend at the waist and "butt out" some.

3. I climbed both times in shorts, deck shoes and a sweatshirt (for arm protection, a lesson learned as a tree climber), but the climbing belt (in my case a leather Bashlin) can interfere a little with range of motion.

4. On every climb, take a bottle of water. You WILL get thirsty.

I like it, and will keep it. I would recommend it, but would recommend the 14-incher probably.

Aaron

Aaron;

Thanks for your observations and persistence, I am glad you could make it work out for you. The custom 14 inch step space model, although requiring less leg lift, the size of the step itself is smaller and therefore does not open as readily as the larger standard version. I would like to have your permission to quote all your comments in the testimonial section of the website, no personal information would be used. I will presume no response from you is permission to do so. Thanks again--g

5/7/07

Just wanted to let you know my new Mast Mate worked FABULOUSLY when commissioning my boat this spring. I believe the bosun chair has gone the way of the slide rule. Thanks again---John S.

11/07/06

SELLER'S TESTIMONIAL ON EBAY

Climb to the top of your mast solo. I did and you can too.

No need to search for help to take a white-knuckle ride aloft in a bosun's chair!

MAST MATE is an extremely sturdy alternating-step flexible ladder made of 2 inch-wide nylon webbing. Simply attach a halyard, feed the sail slugs into the mast track and hoist it like your main sail! Read more at their website www.mastmate.com

This listing is for the 35-foot model lightly used and in very excellent condition. There are no signs of use or wear to the ladder itself. The letters on the storage bag show wear and there are stains that machine washing using Tide with bleach did not remove. Included are two complete sets of sail slugs, rectangular track 3/4-inch and round track 3/8-inch.

I purchased this Mast Mate in the same condition from Ebay and it more than paid for itself when I used it to climb the mast to retrieve a broken halyard on my previous boat. Even so, I was glad when it was over and I was back on terra firma!

I am selling it now only because I traded boats this summer and can easily step and unstep my mast now.

If I can use it to go aloft, ANYONE can.

9/21/06

Gary,

You have an excellent product--if I had custom ordered it I might have
ordered the steps closer together, say 15 or 16 inches (I'm about 5'9"). The
42 foot size is just right for my Catalina 34, although it was a good
workout for this 63-year-old singlehander going up the mast yesterday. I
used my 6-foot elastic tether, looped around the mast with both ends hooked
to my sailing harness (disconnecting and reconnecting at the spreader), and
I was still a bit nervous about falling backwards. I think the work belt,
with the tether/harness as back-up, should put my mind at ease (as well as
holding parts and tools for me). It was easy to work at the masthead, with
your battened top steps and comfortable working height. In the past, I've
not been able to get high enough in the bosun's chair to look down on the
masthead.

George

I ordered a Mast Mate to address a specific problem I had when I lost my main halyard. After my Mast Mate arrived I installed the sail slide and determined that I would go to the marina the following afternoon to try it out. I did not anticipate that I would go all the way to the top on the first try but thought that I would just familiarize myself with it. Within an hour of having gotten to the marina I had been to the top and fixed the problem. I was able to climb the mast comfortably and work hands free on the first try. Considering that I am over fifty, over weight, out of shape and none too fond of heights, this was an amazing accomplishment. I now feel that I have a reasonable means of accessing the mast head and expect that I will tend to it properly without waiting for a problem to arise. You have a fine product and I am glad that I have obtained one.

Bob

8/31/06

I bought my Mast Mate several years ago and have used it many times. Since I have had less luck with LED masthead lights than with my Mast Mate, I have been up more times than I wish. Reading the other testimonials on your website, I thought I'd offer this: I have in-mast furling, so my main halyard is always busy. I always lower my jib and use the jib halyard to raise the Mast Mate in the sail track. My mast has an exterior sail track even though it has in-mast furling so the main stays put. I then attach my West Marine bosun's chair to my spinnaker halyard as a safety net. As I climb, the winch wench tails the extra halyard with no effort. When I climb, I use my legs primarily, but also pull with my arms. I noticed comments about swaying if you grab the steps above you. This doesn't happen if you grab the main strap and not the steps. At the top I comfortably sit in the chair and do my work and enjoy the view. I never have climbed down, since I have the bosun's chair - the winch wench lowers me in the chair. If I need to do something on the front side of the mast, like change a steaming light bulb, being in the chair on the way down lets me swing around to the side or front with no problem.

As somebody else said, the only bad thing I can say about the Mast Mate is rolling it back up tight enough to get it back in the storage bag.

Chris

s/v MoonSail

5/29/06

Hello Gary,

Just a note to let you know that I am completely happy with my MastMate. It is a hell-for-stout product which I'm willing to risk my life using and it certainly got the job done for me.

As I did not have a mainsail halyard to pull MastMate up with (the whole reason for going on top was to re-install the main halyard) I had to use the jib halyard with the boom topping lift as a safety. It took some time to get the MastMate raised to proper position as the jib halyard began binding against the mast as MastMate neared the top.

Also, I found that MastMate needs to be used with the wind blowing in from the bow... with the wind blowing in from astern, the MastMate steps get blown forward such that they get caught where the lower shrouds attach to the mast... and like trying to raise a mainsail with wind from the aft, it just doesn't work.

There were helpful suggestions with the product packaging, like not using the product when not attached to the mast... not hanging on to MastMate steps when climbing up or down, etc. Another suggested comment for a new user would be to use MastMate with the bow into the wind... this will prevent it from getting caught in the standing rigging when attempting to hoist MastMate.

Anyway, the job is done and I once again have a main halyard! Thanks for a great product! It's exactly what I needed. My friends out at the harbor had never seen such a product and were quite impressed!

Steve

Here is a series of back and forths that recently occurred on a sailing forum website.

Posted By: Jerry
Date: 5/5/06 3:49p.m.

don't buy toys; install mast steps

--------

Posted By:
Date: 5/7/06 7:49a.m.

In Response To: (Jerry )

Why would I drill a hundred or more holes in my mast...

...when I already have an
easily deployed, very secure system like the Mast Mate, ,which gets put in place only when I need it? How often do you go up your mast, anyway? If it's something you do every day, sure, perhaps permanent mast steps have their value...

To each his own, Jerry - I'm just trying to make the point that a ladder like the Mast Mate is a great compromise, it accomplishes everything that permanently mounted steps do without some of their drawbacks, and is certainly not a "toy"...

best regards,

Jon

------

Posted By: Jerry
Date: 5/7/06 8:23a.m.

In Response To: Why would I drill a hundred or more holes in my mast... (Jon)

I used to have Capt. Al's ladder

which is very similar to the MastMate. There is NO comparison between going up the shaky and insecure MastMate-type system and mast steps. Because it uses slides it can only be used in certain conditions (when the mainsail has been removed from the track) _and_ it takes time to set up. What do you do when you need to go up the mast FAST?

Jerry

--------------

Posted By: Jon

Date: 5/7/06 9:02a.m.

In Response To: I used to have Capt. Al's ladder (Jerry )

LOL! I wouldn't take two steps up the mast using that piece of shit...

Jerry, there is absolutely NO comparison between the Mast Mate and that flimsy piece of crap... You're right, that system does not even qualify as a toy...

I have my ladder arranged to be affixed through a gate in my track, the main does not have to be removed, it can go from my sail locker to being deployed in a couple of minutes... I'm sitting here trying to imagine the likelihood of a situation where I had to go up the mast much faster than that, hasn't occurred yet in my life (grin)

---------------

Posted By: Catalina

Date: 5/5/06 10:12p.m.

sometimes I use the Mast Mate and a chair

My wife, Patti has had 2 hand operations and can't hoist me up. I like swinging in the chair, so I hoist the ladder up and put the chair on and climb up, she just tails a line with no weight on it. When I get to where I'm working I sit down. I know a 4 part fall would be easier but I just haven't afforded one yet so we make do with what we have. The ladder really is the quickest way up and down for multple trips.

----------

7/5/04

"The only problem I have with my mast mate is people knocking on my boat to borrow it"---Howard

11/22/05

Being, a for the most part a solo sailor, and needing a means to get to the top of my mast, as it is often difficult to get help hoist me up in the bosons chair, I started searching the web for available tools to do this trick. I chose the Mast Mate over the other options as it seemed the easiest means to scale the mast, and also not be a permanent fixture on the mast.

I made the right choice. I easily scaled to the top of my 40' mast, secured the work belt an removed my masthead weather instruments for winter storage. I was up and down the mast and completed my task in about 15 minutes! Less time than going up in the bosons chair! And access to the instruments was much easier.

There were two issues, or perhaps cautions ....

1- The first time up the foot straps were a little hard to slip my foot into because the tendency was for them to stay in their folded position, perhaps I had a little more difficulty due to my short stature. I was also a little concerned that I would have the same problem during the descent, but the steps stayed out nicely for a quick easy decent.

2- I wish the tool bag were a little deeper or had a deep compartment to better hold the mast head instruments. I was fearful that they would fall out of the bag during the decent. The Windex did, but it was in need of work and was on the list to be replaced.

I am very satisfied with this addition to my boats inventory.

Jan

Lake Erie Sailor from

Ohio

Jan;

Thanks for the feedback. I am glad you are satisfied and I appreciate your suggestions. Normally when the Mast Mate has been rolled up for a long period, it will take a bit of time for gravity to open the steps. A deeper bag is a good idea---If you have no objection I'll put your response on the testimonial page. Good sailing to you-----gary

Dear Folks, 8/16/04

I recently ordered a mastmate, and as a retired foredeck had to share with you the joy of an aerial view again. Halfway up to the spreaders on a Cheoy Lee 35 I could hold onto the lower shrouds as I went up the steps. With total ease I was able to sit on a spreader and replace a steaming light. The usual of not having the right tools resulted in several trips up and down, where I really got the hang of climbing with it.
Going to the masthead I couldn't reach the outer spreaders, and had to hold on to the mast. I really didn't feel as secure above the spreaders, and rigged my safety harness around myself and the mast. This improved matters greatly, to go further aloft, and rerun a lost pole topping lift, from when the messenger line broke in the spring.
I feel by fall I'll feel comfortable enough to go fully up, and let go of my mast death hold, to do work at the masthead.
I calculate that the Mastmate cost about $350 total. So far I saved about $150 from paying an enthusiastic yard rigger who noticed and wanted to fix my steaming light. I'm halfway to breaking even!
I just wonder if you have any suggestions for my aching legs from climbing. Im used to the boys "jumping" the halyard and sending me aloft. Now retired from the pointy end, I dont climb often, and am feeling my age.
Thanks again for your prompt service.
Gary

Gary;
Happened to be on line--- thanks for the feedback , I am glad your MM is serving you well. As for the aching leg problem, the more you do it , the less they hurt, also I have found that until one gets fully comfortable going aloft with the MM, there is a tightness in the muscles from the fear (the mast death hold) which contributes to muscle fatigue and makes climbing difficult. If you have no objection, I will use your email on the testimonial page of the MM website.---------gary

5/15/04

Gary,

Reviewed all available products for going up and decided on Mast Mate some time ago. Finally got the Mast Mate because I "lost" my main halyard due to operator error while replacing said halyard. Set it up today with my spinnaker halyard, but only went up half way due to high winds. Having been up in the Boatswain's chair, dangling by a single rope, I found the stability of the Mast Mate reassuring.
Read all the testimonials about climbing methods and such and have only question. I've skydived with webbing that was smaller, so why do you recommend not hooking the mast tether until in working position?

Good product - thanks.
Randy

Randy;
I found that if the tether was around the mast when I climbed that my body did not have the freedom of movement I liked plus I felt having to unfasten and refasten the tether to get by the lower shrouds and spreaders voided out any additional safety factor. Others , however, do use it that way with no problem, so whatever works for you is OK. As you can imagine, in writing the instructions I err on the conservative side.--------gary

5/21/04

Gary,

Just a comment. Had to raise the Mast Mate using the spinnaker halyard, and used the tether and additional safety belt (an old halyard section) to insure a safety line while passing the spreaders. On the first climb to the top the only concern was reaching the mast head because the way the spinnaker halyard had come around to the sail track. When a passer by said it looked like I could reach the top without any problem, I scooted right up the mast. Technical problems at the top dictated I go back down for additional equipment. The second trip was like a squirrel zipping up a tree. No fear, no concern, just a safe secure platform.
It is so safe it convinced my wife it was safe enough that I could go up alone. (There were other people near the slip)
Super product.
Thanks, Randy

Gary,
Just a question please.

The old argument of bowline vs eye splice vs shackles to secure any device is a lost point if the strength of the attachment to the device is week. You web site addresses the 3,000 pound tensil strength of the webbing, but does not address the d-ring. Just for grins, what is the strength of the ring.
I did find one potential problem with the MM. I am so confident in the device I hope I always remember exactly where I am when I use it. Situational awarness, as we pilots say, is critical.
Thanks
Randy

Randy;
D ring rated at 1100 lbs------g

question: I am trying between your product and prime-climb. I like the solidity of the prime climb. I am afraid that I will be searching for the loops with my feet on the way down.Could you make a pitch of your product against prime-climb

Hi;
Having never tried the Prime-climb I cannot say much about it except it seems stowage would be a bit of a hassle and installation could take more time than the Mast Mate plus , for me, I like the fact that the flexible webbing steps of the MM surround your foot so slippage is never a problem. But probably the biggest plus for the MM is that it has a full money back guarantee, so you can buy it and try it and if you are not satisfied get your money back and get the Prime Climb, I don't think they have a money back guarantee. Add to that the fact that I have never had a MM returned do to the difficulty of finding the steps on descending. A few times up and down and you automatically know where the steps are. That's it----- call me at 800-548-0436 to discuss it further or to order----------gary

10/23/03

Gary, the MM works fine on the aft side of the mast, but when I got to the steaming light at the spreaders, it was too awkward for me to work on the light. So I made an adjustment. I tied a short line through every other grommet, raised the rig by the jib halyard, and tied the lines around the mast as I stepped up. This gave me a secure position in front of the steaming light to change the bulb. As I descended, I untied each line, then lowered the MM via the halyard. I felt very secure with the tool belt.

Am I the oldest rag sailor to climb aloft with the MM? I'm 71.

Thanks for your discription. Another solution would have been to secure the bosuns chair to the Mast Mate and swing around to the opposite side of the mast to repair the light. You may be the oldest to climb a mast mate but I sold one to an 80 year old who was embarking on his 3rd circumnavigation----------g

9/7/03

I ordered a Mast Mate to address a specific problem I had when I lost my
main halyard. After my Mast Mate arrived I installed the sail slide and
determined that I would go to the marina the following afternoon to try it
out. I did not anticipate that I would go all the way to the top on the
first try but thought that I would just familiarize myself with it.
Within an hour of having gotten to the marina I had been to the top and
fixed the problem.
I was able to climb the mast comfortably and work hands free on the first
try. Considering that I am over fifty, over weight, out of shape and none
too fond of heights, this was an amazing accomplishment.
I now feel that I have a reasonable means of accessing the mast head and
expect that I will tend to it properly without waiting for a problem to
arise.
You have a fine product and I am glad that I have obtained one.

Bob

3/30/03

Mast mate:

I have enjoyed possession of a Mast mate for many years now. It has been used to accomplish many above deck repairs and installations whenever the need (or desire) arose. The most recent was replacement of what was a perfectly good Windex at the masthead nefariously damaged by an Osprey of unrelenting intent to have unobstructive view of Halifax Harbor Marina here in Daytona Beach, Florida. While engaged in the process of going to the masthead, I inadvertently left the storage bag for the Mast Mate on the dock at a time when the wind was pretty high. The lightweight bag blew into the water unnoticed and was lost. My Mast Mate is now being stowed in a pillow case. I write you now to ask for a replacement bag. I can respond to receipt of a bag with a check in whatever amount you specify for the bag plus S&H or if you prefer, tell me what to send you in advance and I will respond accordingly. Thank you for an anticipated and timely response.

Fred

Fred;

Glad to hear of your satisfaction with the Mast Mate and sorry to hear of the bag loss. I will trade you a new storage bag for the privledge of using your email in the testimonial page of the Mast Mate website . The bag will be mailed out on Tuesday the 1st -------good sailing to you-------gary

12/13/02

Gary,
Added the slides for my mast track to the MastMate and talked myself (finally) into climbing to the masthead. Must say, your product is a great idea, and all went without a hitch. I'd definitely recommend the workbelt along with the MastMate, as it gives you a very secure feeling when at the top. This is a very well made product and as it is fixed to the sail track it doesn't sway from the mast. Just wish I had thought of this! Thanks, Mike Morro Bay, CA

Gary,
Used the Mast mate for the first time today, just my wife and I she said it
was the easiest boating job she ever had { she tailed the backup halyard} I went up the mast. Been sailing for over 30 years and been up many times, so height was not a problem for me. Like to thank you for an excellent product! A few questions:

1/ I undid the strap on the work belt before I read the instructions and
would like to be certain I buckled it properly. Do you have a photo?
2/ I used a Larakis harness for the back up, the only problem the line was
right in my face, not to bad going up but coming down with pressure on it
became annoying. Any suggestions.
Thanks again, see you up there,
BOB

Bob;
Thanks for the feedback, if you have no objection I will use it on the testimonial page of the website. The problem with the back up safety line deployed in that fashion is as you stated, "it is in your face." I prefer securing the extra halyard, jib or otherwise, cleated off tightly and run a short line from the ring of your harness to the line securing it with a rolling hitch knot [knots ]. This way you slip the knot up the line as you climb and if a mishap occurs, the knot will lock up and prevent a fall, plus it is not in your face.. Also, this allows you to do the whole operation alone, leaving your mate to look on with admiration or to attend to other duties. I have attached a drawing of the proper way to feed the strap thru the d-ring and adjusters of the workbelt. Good sailing and be safe------------gary

Gary,
Thank you for the quick reply, in these days of discount store clerks and
order takers its a relief to talk to a knowledgeable owner. Yes you can use
my comments if you think they worthy.
I will try the rolling hitch idea this spring when I go back up to replace
my instruments,
I take everything off the top of the mast for the winter.
BOB

Dear Gary Wheeler,
A) Your picture makes you look more the sailor than the entrepreneur.
Good choice.
B) Just used the MastMate. After trying three differnt methods of
climbing the mast to replace a bulb, YOURS has surpassed all combined, by
yards (yuk,yuk).
How many sailors does it take to change a light bulb? The whole crew and
some borrowed hands!
Now I'm up and down the mast like the squirrel that my wife says I am.
This product is the epitome of the elegant simplicity of male logic.
Good job, mate! Thanx!
SINCERELY,
Morgan the irate

Just a note to let you know how well the mastmate and toolbag work belt
work. The first time up was a challenge,(I wore sandals), but by the second
and third it was a piece of cake,(I wore shoes with stiff soles). It made
installing a new head stay and roller furler easy. The next project is
replacing a broken VHF antenna.Thanks,
Bob

For months now I've been struggling with the fact that I need to get to the top of my mast. I've tried bosun's chairs, the TopClimber, finding a crane to lift me, etc., with no luck. I was basically too chicken to do what everyone else seemed to do so easily. After all, it's 40 feet straight up suspended only by a 1/4" cable; and, as I've see, these cables can break.
I finally discovered the Mast Mate on the web.
I had a few problems getting accustomed to it; but after a little help from the manufacture to overcome my basic fear; I went to the top today with no problem and felt very comfortable and secure up there. I even took a bunch of pictures (see below) from the top of the mast with both hands free. Yeow!!! What a great feeling!! J
It actually took me three attempts with the Mast Mate on three different days before I got up there. It had nothing to do with the Mast Mate itself, just my fear of heights. First time (2002-07-13) I made it only up to the first spreaders with Jim Rumsey watching on; second time (2002-07-16) I made it to the second spreaders, but I was basically frozen and couldn't go up any more. This time, I got to the second spreaders, and, feeling very comfortable just kept going; what a thrill!!
I took all the reasonable safety precautions I could think of. On recommendation from other skippers on the Sailnet (best web site on the web) Racing and Ericson Email lists, I also went to R.E.I. and purchased a rock climbing harness and ascender that I wore and hooked to a second halyard in case the one I was climbing on broke. I also purchased the work belt from the people who produce the Mast Mate and this allowed me to feel securely attached to the mast such that I could stand up there hands free! :-)
I very highly recommend the Mast Mate to anyone who's been afraid to climb their masts; and definitely get the work belt with it.

Gary:

I tried out your Mastmate on my Bristol 34 and made 3 trips to the masthead in 4 hours without breaking a sweat. I climbed while wearing a hard-bottom West Marine bosun's chair that was being tailed by a friend. I did all the "heavy lifting" as a test to see if my wife could be my helper on future trips aloft. Climbing with the chair as a backup worked just fine, and a secondary safety line and carabineer made it easy to secure my chair to a solid point after I got on location. While sitting in the chair, the Mastmate gave me a good footing on which to stand and ease the butt-ache. I could actually look down on the top of my mast, a view I have never had since climbing my first mast in 1966. Why didn't you invent this wonderful gadget 30 years ago? Looking back on a busy and productive weekend, I realize that the most difficult task was storing the Mastmate back in the bag! Congrats on designing a providing tool that makes life easier for us who enjoy working aloft.

Hi Gary,
I got my mast mate and it's everything you said it would be. There's one major problem for me, though, that I didn't anticipate. I don't have the strength in my knees to lift myself if I don't have anything to pull on with my hands. I can get up to the first spreaders just fine using the lower shrouds to help pull myself up with my hands; but I can?t make a single step after that and I'm only a third of the way up at that point. Do you have any suggestions? I'm sure others must have had the same problem.

To get enough traction by simply grabbing on to the mast (wrapping my arms tightly around it) I found that I can?t see my feet to negotiate them into the steps. I tried going up a few steps this way with great difficulty, but when I tried backing down, I couldn't get my foot into the step until I asked a friend to help me guide my feet.

I'm wondering if the shorter steps would help. It is a pretty long reach with the current length between steps. I'm pretty tall and have long legs, so I suspected that wouldn't be a problem. But if I didn't have to bend my leg so much at the knee, I might have more power to lift myself up. Still, I don't see how shortening from 16" to 14" would make that much difference; what has your experience been?
Another thought. Your instructions say NOT to grab the steps with your hands to help pull yourself up. Why not? I'm wondering if I should try that, but I didn't want to go against your warning.
Thanks,Rick

Rick;
Sorry you are having that difficulty. I say not to grab the steps above because that tends to make you sway side to side whereas holding the mast stabilizes you. Also, make sure your body is good and veriticle,not with your butt sticking out, and that your hands are at least head high around the mast. Make sure you wear loose pants as well. Most others who have difficulty usually have a short inseam making the 16 inch lift a bit much and for them the short step is a good fix, but with you having a knee problem, the same may not apply. I have also found that often people have difficulty the first few tries and then as they get use to it find it easier. I think initially there is a bit of fear and trepidation which effects the bodies ability to adapt to the task. I suggest you try climbing a few more times and if it still is not manageable I will be glad to refund your money.

I'll try. I sure don't want to ask for a refund; I want to get to the top of my mast.
So, if I don't mind swaying side to side, grabbing the steps above me would be ok, correct? I was worried the concern would be putting too much force on the connections to the sail slides and pulling them out. I'll try that too today and let you know.
Rick

Gary
That worked much better. I made it all the way to the second spreaders before fear took over. I'm trying again today and hope to get to the top. If I make it, I'll be celebrating!
Your product is great!!
BTW, it turned out that by pulling on the step above me I was able to climb up two more steps; then I discovered by climbing those two additional steps I could reach the second level spreaders to pull myself up with. That made it really easy to get to the second spreaders. Looks like the same thing will work for the top section of the mast.
Rick

Rick:
Congratulations. Take your time, in a week or two you'll be scampering up. I use anything I can hold onto to help me up, shrouds, spreaders, halyards. Glad it is going to work for you, I hate returns---------gary

To boldly go... where I've never been before. :-)

I finally made it to the top of my mast using the Mast Mate
(http://www.mastmate.com) and the tips from this thread. Yay!!!! :-)
For any of you who are hesitant about being hauled up on the halyard
check out the Mast Mate; I love it. I can't believe (after 30 years and
5 boats) that I've finally been to the top!! Heights and me never saw
eye to eye, but I felt so comfortable with the Mast Mate (still, it took
me three tries on three different days to get past my fear of heights)
that I actually stood up there about 2 feet above the mast head looking
down at it with my hands completely free. It was wonderful!! :-)

Thanks everyone for all the tips and suggestions I got from this thread;
I also purchased the harness and ascender from REI as suggested here and
attached that to my spinnaker halyard as a back up. I really felt safe
going up there.
Next? --- Bungi jumping :-)
Thanks,Rick

P.S., I also got incredible customer support from the Mast Mate people
who must be trained psychologists at helping people overcome their fear
of heights :-)

Hi Gary, had a chance to use my new Mast Mate this past weekend and I could not have been more pleased with the easy way the system works. I had to go up and down numerous times while installing a new Windex, and after getting the hang of it (two or three times up and down), it was easy. the safety/tool belt work as advertised and feels very comfortable. I did use an additional 5' safety line rigged with a climbers jam cleat attached to a spare halyard once in position. All in all, I it was a success. Great piece of equipment.
Regards, Hans

Hi Gary, Just a note to tell you how well your product and I are getting along. Thanks to the ease of use of my mastmate, I have managed to successfully suspend my noisy Tri color wiring inside the length of my mast( no room left inside conduit ), Inspect, secure, replace faulty/worn rigging, clean, paint, and wax. So I figure that with the 7+ hours I've spent aloft so far, the money I've saved in labor costs alone have paid for my new specialty tool. And you know what they say. If you want it done right, you'll have to "Do it yourself" . Now I can! The tool bag/belt is the perfect addition to the use of the mastmate. Combined they give me confidence, security, safety, and freedom aloft. As far as the spacing of steps goes. I've found that while ascending, climbing is easier If you grab your kneecap to help lift up your leg/foot to the next step. Also, If downhauled tight, most play is illiminated while aloft. Thanks again for a great product! Lon "Pride & Joy" Alameda, CA

Here are some responses to this question posted 5/19/01 on the Forum at the Cruising world website. "Does anyone have any experience with this product [ the mast mate climbing system]? It appears to make sense."

I purchased one for my Allied Seawind about 6 months ago. The product is well constructed and is very convenient to store. It slides up quickly on the mast track. It is very ease to climb you must be in good physical condition. No different than of course fixed steps. On my mast I must take the mainsial out of the track first to put up the mast mate. Still I would rather do this than drill many holes in the mast to put up fixed steps. Remember to use shoes and not bare feet when using the mast mate climbing is much more difficult with bare feet! ------Dan

I second everything Dan says. I've had the product for six or eight years and carried it from my former boat to my present one. I don't have a regular crew, so I frequently have to ascend my mast alone. I use the MastMate ladder in conjunction with a Safe-Brake or Safe-T-Brake (or something like that - it's been discussed here on this board) rigged on a second halyard as a failsafe device. I also sewed a couple of belts onto my bosuns chair so that I can stop anywhere I want to, pass a belt around the mast and clip it back to the chair. That way I can stand on the ladder and be supported by the belt around the mast like a telephone lineman and have my hands free to work. -------John

" I read with interest Steven Harris's "Going Aloft" and found it informative. However, I was disappointed that Mr. Harris didn't mention an alternative method which we often use on our Cape Dory 33. I did some research and found the Mast Mate flexible ladder {tel 207-596-0495, www.mastmat.com}, which runs up the mainsail track and is hoisted by the main halyard. My husband uses a Lirakis harness and a bosun's chair and climbs up the webbing stairs. I tail the slack from the harness halyard for safety. When he's finished I ease the halyard and he climbs down. Using the ladder is a simple and safe method for reaching the top of the mast"

The following is a response to a question posted on the Cruising World Website Bulletin Board 4/29/99. The question asked was "Does anyone have experience with Mast Ladders?"

" I recently bought one. a Mastmate, following a discussion on this board (archive #45) in which 3 or 4 who had one attested to how well it works. I had priced making one myself, since the basic concept is pretty simple, but found I had neither the time nor expertise to sew webbing joints that would have the strength I wanted. I checked a climbing repair shop recommended by REI, but the cost they first quoted was too high, and then when they learned that I intended to rely on this in climbing, the flatly refused to do the work, saying their insurance wouldn't let them. After I ordered the Mastmate and inspected it, I have to say that the materials and particularly the workmanship of the assembly made me conclude that it is fairly priced for what you get. It is very well sewn with no shortcuts taken that I can see. It is a whole lot better than I could have done. I used it recently to go up and remove a bent spreader, using my chair on another halyard for backup and resting station and working station when I arrived. It worked well. I too used to pull myself up with multipart tackle. I too got very fatigued doing it. Two things I was sure of, was first that I was not going to get any younger and second that my fatigue would eventually lead to a mistake. Aloft is sure not a place to make a mistake, and they are real easy to do with one line to haul you up, one as a backup that needs to be taken up periodically and made secure, and one around the mast---or whatever system you use. It was hard to shell out that cash, but I feel much better knowing I have a tool I can use for mast work on any boat I own. The Mastmate will definately outlast me, and it will probably outlast my son."

Dear Mr. Wheeler,
Please find enclosed my check for $255.00 to cover the cost of a 35' Mast Mate (along with the $5.00 for shipping). I spoke with you last fall, and want to reiterate that the Mast Mate that I used during the past summer, and now again during the past six weeks as I continued the Atlantic Circle with Michael Rowland, proved itself over and over and over again as one of the most useful pieces of equipment on the boat (Tammy Norie, a 25 year old wooden ketch, with wooden spars). Your ladder made it comfortably possible for me to scale the mast while in 12' seas at mid Atlantic to replace a fallen inner fore stay; I was also able (while in port) to spend hours at a time reworking an old and poorly designed mast-head fitting, and again a few hours repairing a cracked cheek piece. We were also able to revarnish the masts without having to unstep them, and with the use of some mountaineering technology for a safety line much of this was done by one person working alone. As was most certainly the response when the first cave man finally chipped the corners off his octagonal wheel, the universal reaction that fellow sailors have had when they have seen the Mast Mate in use has been "well of course... it's so simple, why didn't I think of that!"
My hat is off to you sir for a fine idea. I look forward to having my own Mast Mate aboard my boat. I wish you continued success!

I just received the MasMate and the Workbelt and they look great: strenghth, quality, everything. I will go up the mast next week and I am sure everything will be fine. I appreciate your very fast service and delivery, and thanks for the free shipping to Canada. I am getting this Mast Mate known all around... Congratulations and thanks again.

Following the below email, sent by me, are some customers unedited responses with comments by me where deemed necessary

Dear Customer: I hope this email finds you well and you have put many pleasurable miles under your keel since you purchased your Mast Mate. I would appreciate it if you would send me an email and let me know how the mast mate climbing system has worked out for you and if you have any suggestions for improvements or changes. I also invite you to occasionally revisit the Mast Mate website {www.mastmate.com} for I am adding some new products. At present, I am introducing the 3rdMate, a simple multipurpose tool that is equivalent to having an extra hand on deck, and soon a quick release overboard emergency ladder based on the mast mate design. I thank you in advance for your response--------------Gary

Dear Gary,

You were helpful on the phone when I called before the purchase. The Mast Mate did just what I needed. The first step is a big one. Fortunately, I am familiar with rappeling, so the fact of being 45 feet above the deck with only my belay only made me a little weak-kneed. I went right to the top with a rest stop at the spreaders. I used lithium grease in a spray can on the swivel gear at the top of the roller furling jib. It fixed the problem. I have only used MM once but I am glad to have a way to get up there. Of course rigging it is a little time consuming but not bad. Great invention. Attached are pix of my boat, Integrity, an Irwin Citation 34, and me up the mast

Gary:

I've used my Mast Mate now on two occasions and it has performed flawlessly. As you warned, the first time I used it the loops were still pretty flat do to how the unit was stored when it arrived. This made it a little tough to get your feet in and out of the loops. But they relaxed over time and I have no complaints. Keep up the good work. We sailors and do-it-yourself captains certainly appreciate your work.

Hi Gary

I've used my mast mate to install a wind speed/direction sensor and new windex on the top of my mast and to install a JRC 1000 and a new deck/steaming light near the spreaders. The system works great, but I have a few suggestions from my experiences. The step spacing is a bit far apart, and I have long legs (I am 6' 2") so it must be even more difficult for a shorter person. I cannot emphasize enough that the only comfortable way to work is to raise the ladder to the appropriate height so that you are standing on the two level steps, I tried working part way up the ladder and your legs get sore real fast. It works best to place the heel of your foot on the steps to minimize foot fatigue. A climber, when going to the top needs two safety harnesses becasue when you get to the spreaders with just the work belt I purchased from you, it is necessary to unhook it to get it over the spreaders, so I bring a second harness and hook it up over the spreaders prior to moving the work belt. All in all a great product that saves me much money and makes me more independent. Who would want to pay someone big bucks to climb up just to change a steaming and/or anchor light?

Although it is recommended to use a safety harness with a backup halyard when you climb, the Mast Mate Workbelt is not intended for this purpose. It's tether is only to be deployed when you have reached your work position. The in-between step distance (16") is the result of step size and adequate reinforcing. Any difficulty in climbing is usually corrected by keeping ones body straight with hands around the mast head high. For those with a very short inseam, a custom model with a 2 inch shorter between step distance is available.

Gary,
Thanks for the email.

Mast mate works fine.
It's a little harry for a big ole guy like me to be that high up. I still leave my finger prints in the mast!!!

I have used my Mast Mate twice since purchasing it two months ago. It has worked perfectly. It is great to be able to go up my mast any time I want without a lot of pre-planning or searching the marina for a couple of guys strong enough to haul my 225 lbs up in the boson's chair. Also I find it much easier to work from the stable stance of the ladder versus the chair. The workbelt that I purchased as an option makes the whole system feel safe and secure. It's a great product and I have had several requests to borrow it from fellow marina tenants. Which I not accommodated, owing to the uniqueness of my mast slides and unwillingness to change their own. Also, I'm afraid I might have a hard time getting it back once others start to use it.

Gary, Just a quick note. Good to hear from you. The Mast Mate has enabled me to do things I could never do before at the top... Since I was hit by lightning, I have had plenty of projects to take me to the top. I will check out your web site for more good stuff.

Gary, Since acquiring a "Mast Mate" last year I have had three occasions to use it and I would say it performs as well as I could have hoped. At this point I enthusiastically recommend the product during conversations with other boat owners/operators. For me, as I'm certain is the case for others, the ability to climb the mast and remain there for a useful period of time, without having to rely on others, is particularly helpful. I perform maintenance at the masthead as it is required rather than awaiting the availability of someone strong enough (not to mention competent enough), to winch me up, or until the boat comes out of the water for seasonal maintenance, etc. As for improvements, I can think of only one: After a period of time in the "stirrups", the pressure exerted on my feet by the constricting webbing becomes very uncomfortable, to the point of distraction. I realize the constriction effect might be seen as something of a safety feature, however I would happily forego the capturing effect of the webbing on my feet, in exchange for unimpeded blood circulation. Would it be possible to design a pair of rigid bars, or a frame of some sort, which could be clamped to the appropria stirrups such that they would have the effect of spreading them open, and at the same time providing something more akin to a ladder rung upon which to stand? Perhaps the "rungs" could be nothing more than a rigid right-triangle that fits snugly inside the web stirrups, with some means of attachment such they would not inadvertently slip out.
Regards, Jim

Thanks for the suggestion. It took awhile, time for R & D and testing , but I finally got a stiffener that works. As of Jan 10, 2001 they will be included for the top double steps.

Hi Gary

I used my mastmate for the first time on saturday, The spindle on the foller
furling system came off the track. The mastmate worked great, it was easy to
setup and hoist. Climbing was easy and I always felt secure. I had to go up
twice but I was able to solve the problem myself. The other solution would
have been to pay the yard for the repair, so I have already gotten some the
the price back. In the spring I need to run a new halyard. The mastemate
will certainly pay for itself by then.

Thanks

Bill

	Details	Questions	FAQ	Prices & Order
	Home	Friends Links	Fix It Now	About Us

~ Testimonials ~