Hey guys,

Any ideas on the best person to come install a simple wireless wind sensor for me? I don't feel super confident climbing the mast myself (probably a bit too much DadBod on me), so I'm happy to pay someone. Didn't think it'd be a big drama, just needs 4 screws, possibly move the existing windex backwards.

So far, I've checked with Sydney Rigging (can't do till next month at the earliest) & Tempo Spars (don't want to do it on such a small boat ). Have left a message with Roni Rigging (nothing back yet) and from looking through previous threads have kinda been steered away from Joe Walsh (happy to be told otherwise though).

Boat's in Balmain, mast is probably about 9 metres from the boom high.

I struggled with this for ages. We needed a new anchor light. Tried to get a few people to do it and no luck, small job, no interest. Marine tradies really are the worst, all seem to be totally uninterested. In the end we took it into CYCA and I went up. 6ft 90kg hoisted on a smallish winch. I was on a Burke bosuns chair and it was excellent. Had a few other jobs to do while i was up there. Total time up top was over an hour. Perfectly comfortable. I also had a back up climbing harness on. Two (reliable) friends dealt with winching and locking off, letting down. Cant tell you how good the burke chair is. Hardest part is the winching as we have such small winches, but was manageable. Remember to tie knots to the chair (dont use shackles).

Ed

Yeh, bloody annoying - like, I've got money, come take it! Or at the very least, return my phone call!

I'm sadly over 100kg these days. Most of the smaller people I know aren't really the handyperson type. I did have a good look into using knots etc too!

I used to winch friend up to the mast. Using the winch is seriously big job. A few years ago, friend is too old,
I start hoisting myself. Used pulleys from main sail boom / 1 to 4 / in my case.
Have enough rope for this exercise , First hoist one of the block with main sail halyard , second block attach
to b. chair. Also use spinnaker halyard as a safety, just taking slack as I winch myself up.

Try Bryce Edwards at Infinity Rigging Taren Point. 0415231791
A good honest young bloke.
Mike

I've recently spent a bit of time up the stick, though it was getting de-stepped for new rigging, rigger wanted a fortune to pull new cables and install new lights etc.
It really isn't that hard, I've got mast steps so it was easier.
I put my small GF on a winch through a clutch, but basically I didn't have and faith so I used 2-3 back up system.

Firstly find a spot with no or limited wash, for you down the bottom of FiveDock bay is as good as any. Feel free to use my mooring there, I won't be back on it for a few weeks yet.

How to climb, better if you have bosuns chair.
i put primary halyard on Bosuns and get someone to tail it, but monkey climbing the mast makes it easier for them instead of just winching up.... yes I'm over 100kgs.
Back up systems, lock a spare halyard to base of mast, and other end tie it off... don't just trust clutch. I used a climbing Grigri, or use a prusik knot tied to climbing harness.
3rd backup, I have a sling and carabiner and clip it onto whatever you can, I used steps, or around mast/spreaders, or at the top there's probably shackles with blocks on them... I mainly clip in when in working position.
Now, the trick is get up there without tools and equipment, however trail a small line 6-8-10mm up, then have a bucket or similar with your tools in it, when in a comfy working spot, haul the tools up.
Its never gonna be the easiest job, but doable.
I drilled/tapped new masthead combo, 2 new cables from top down, and drilled/tapped new anchor light, and serviced the tri colour... bloody hours up there.
My first time I was nervous, after that and knowing it was secure and in sheltered area, it was all good... though happy to get down after hours.
I watched a rigger climb up, interesting he actually used the shrouds and inner stays to climb up, his team could barely tail the line fast enough...I had never thought of that




Do feel like a drone up there though!!

Very good ideas ^^

Just on drilling and tapping into ally....use a cordless for both, saves so much time!

After drilling pilot holes, but tap into the drill. Sprague some WD-40 or similar into the hole (this is a must) and drill in fast speed and go for it!!

Thinking about taking my mast out and do all the jobs on the ground and repaint while at it. Anyone know of a yard in Sydney with reasonable rates. Have one quote to lift mast and hardstand. They must have thought I own Wild Oats.

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rumblefish said..
Very good ideas ^^

Just on drilling and tapping into ally....use a cordless for both, saves so much time!

After drilling pilot holes, but tap into the drill. Sprague some WD-40 or similar into the hole (this is a must) and drill in fast speed and go for it!!

+1 WD40 a must, and Duralac if different metals

Select to expand quote

troubadour said..
Thinking about taking my mast out and do all the jobs on the ground and repaint while at it. Anyone know of a yard in Sydney with reasonable rates. Have one quote to lift mast and hardstand. They must have thought I own Wild Oats.

I got many quotes in Sydney Harbour, all crazy expensive, took her to Q in Pittwater, much cheaper, but they only sand/etch.... blasting is the big cost, the top guys only do it if they blast, downside is, in 5-10years it will start to peel again. But the savings in cost just mean I'd take it north again.

Only few places blast, and then transporting the rig on road etc... that's where the cost is. I had mates rates at 2 places, yet Q was thousands... and I mean multiple thousands cheaper without blasting

Select to expand quote

Magpiemike said..
Try Bryce Edwards at Infinity Rigging Taren Point. 0415231791
A good honest young bloke.
Mike

Thanks Mike - will see if he'd visit the harbour!

Select to expand quote

Cabron said..

troubadour said..
Thinking about taking my mast out and do all the jobs on the ground and repaint while at it. Anyone know of a yard in Sydney with reasonable rates. Have one quote to lift mast and hardstand. They must have thought I own Wild Oats.

I got many quotes in Sydney Harbour, all crazy expensive, took her to Q in Pittwater, much cheaper, but they only sand/etch.... blasting is the big cost, the top guys only do it if they blast, downside is, in 5-10years it will start to peel again. But the savings in cost just mean I'd take it north again.

Only few places blast, and then transporting the rig on road etc... that's where the cost is. I had mates rates at 2 places, yet Q was thousands... and I mean multiple thousands cheaper without blasting

I'm doing all the work myself I just need the crane lift and hardstand for a few days.

Select to expand quote

Planeray said..
Hey guys,

Any ideas on the best person to come install a simple wireless wind sensor for me? I don't feel super confident climbing the mast myself (probably a bit too much DadBod on me), so I'm happy to pay someone. Didn't think it'd be a big drama, just needs 4 screws, possibly move the existing windex backwards.

So far, I've checked with Sydney Rigging (can't do till next month at the earliest) & Tempo Spars (don't want to do it on such a small boat ). Have left a message with Roni Rigging (nothing back yet) and from looking through previous threads have kinda been steered away from Joe Walsh (happy to be told otherwise though).

Boat's in Balmain, mast is probably about 9 metres from the boom high.

Hi Planeray, I've been up my 12.5 m mast a couple of times in the last month, used to go up my 16m mast regularly when I had my 41ft'r. I actually love it up there! I have a mast climber, so I do all the climbing and only need someone to tail off the winch as I climb. Just need to borrow a bosuns chair. I'm happy to go up and help you out. Better still, my mooring is in Lane Cove River - nice and quiet to do mast work especially in the mornings. Not far from Balmain, and plenty of room to drop a anchor near/ next to me. Let me know if you're interested.