Mast Monkey ~ Installing Spreader Boots

Last year we replaced the wooden spreaders on our Alberg 35, Mystic. It was a necessary, surprise repair that needed to be done before we could launch for the cruising season. Dave built them out of cedar, a weather resistant wood. We didn't have time to varnish them but we slathered them with as many coats of linseed oil as they would absorb; and added one top coat of flex seal to protect them. Over the winter, Dave built new spreaders out of epoxy laminate. He put 10 coats of varnish on the new set. 

Today, I hoisted him up the mast in his bosun chair to check on the cedar spreaders. From the deck they look aged and stained. We'd prefer to replace them with the epoxy laminate set when the mast is down but needed to make sure last year's set would make it through another winter. The good news is that they are in fine condition. No need to replace them until we drop our mast to enter the Erie Canal. 

Dark stains on cedar spreaders

No cracks or rotting visible

Lots of staining from the linseed oil

Hoping they are in better shape than they look!

We've been planning the hoist for some time but have been delayed due to high wind and my distaste for holding my partner's life in my hands with a 1/2 inch halyard. In spite of my nervousness, we have a great system that is as foolproof as you can get. The mast is wrapped with a rope tied in a tree climbers knot or prusik knot that slides up and down but grabs tight if there is any tension on it. He has two, one on the safety harness and one with a loop for his foot. He stands on the foot rope which releases tension, allowing me to raise the halyard. If my hand slips, the second rope catches him before he can drop on my head.

While we waited for the perfect day for the climb, I made classy boot covers for the spreaders and stuffed them in the side pockets of the bosun chair. They fit snuggly over the top of the spreaders with velcro closures underneath. Ropes secure them around the spreaders in three places. In addition, Dave added zip ties to be sure they wouldn't come loose in bad weather. 

The boatyard carpenter walked by while Dave was up the mast. He chuckled and said, "Aha, spreader boots; aren't you guys getting classy! Has anyone told you that you two work too hard." We can't argue with that but it sure feels good to check one more thing off our "to do" list. One of these days our projects will be complete and we will wrap Mystic up for the winter.

Dave Installing Spreader Boots

He loves his bosun chair

Looking straight up the mast as Dave secures the boots

Monkeying around, Dave reaching horizontally, oy vey!

Mystic's mast with new spreader boots in place