I have decided I do not have the time or money for mast steps. I would like
a set of ratlines on the shrouds. I have not come across a "how to" tie the
lines on to the wire securely.
Thanks - Allen

I recommend that you tie them in with a rolling hitch. It's important
that you keep the knot tight as you tie it because you can't fully
tighten it afterwards. If you're unfamiliar with the rolling hitch, go
to: http://www.realknots.com/knots/hitches.htm
This is a very use ful knot for taking the strain off a loaded line to
untie a know, clear a winch, etc.

Fred

wrote in message
oups.com...
I recommend that you tie them in with a rolling hitch. It's important
that you keep the knot tight as you tie it because you can't fully
tighten it afterwards. If you're unfamiliar with the rolling hitch, go
to: http://www.realknots.com/knots/hitches.htm
This is a very use ful knot for taking the strain off a loaded line to
untie a know, clear a winch, etc.

Fred


If I recall correctly, Hervey Garret Smith recommends splicing an eye in
both ends of the ratline, then lashing it to the shrouds with tarred
marline. Repeat as necessary.

"KLC Lewis" wrote
If I recall correctly, Hervey Garret Smith recommends splicing an
eye in both ends of the ratline, then lashing it to the shrouds with
tarred marline.

This is the way they were done on the Schooner Westward when I first
sailed on her in 1973. I had a couple break under me the first time I
went up really driving home the old "Hands on the shrouds, feet on the
ratlines" adage. It seemed kind of silly on a school ship so I set
about making it right.

I went up the ratlines (no safety harness, this was a simpler time)
renewing the seizings as I went with a ball of marlin in one hand and
my buck knife (no safety lanyard, this was a simpler time) in the
other. It was great spending hours above the sea as the ship bowled
along over the October North Atlantic, flying fish jumped, and life
went on down below. I worked my way up one mast, went back to the
deck and worked up the other. When we tacked, I did the other side.

I would note that these shrouds were wormed, parceled, and served, in
the best traditional fashion so there was not worry about the seizings
sliding down. I'm a bit skeptical about ratlines not slipping on bare
stainless but using them occasionally and carefully on a cruising
sloop is probably different than enthusiastic students running up and
down them continuously.

--

Roger Long

I just found this site. Looks like the way to go.
http://yachtvalhalla.net/projects/ratlines/ratlines.htm
I do like the idea of ratlines instead of mast steps to get part way up fast
when underway.
- Allen

Those look terrible. Think of the edges of those washers chafing into
your main when broad off.

For occasional trips aloft, I can't see the weight and windage of
wood. It's more comfortable when you are using it but pretty clunky
99% of the time. If you cruise in coral country and run up the mast a
half dozen times a day, go wood. If you might not otherwise have
steps or ratlines at all, go with rope.

If you have time (or money) think about making the lowers galvanized
wire with the full parceling treatment. Properly done, they will last
years longer than stainless and be pleasant on the hands and lines.

--

Roger Long



"bushman" wrote in message
...
I just found this site. Looks like the way to go.
http://yachtvalhalla.net/projects/ratlines/ratlines.htm
I do like the idea of ratlines instead of mast steps to get part way
up fast when underway.
- Allen

bushman wrote:
I have decided I do not have the time or money for mast steps. I would like
a set of ratlines on the shrouds. I have not come across a "how to" tie the
lines on to the wire securely.
Thanks - Allen

'The Rigger's Locker' by Brion Toss has a good section on ratlines.

Most of the references on ratlines seem to assume that you are
attaching to inch-thick shrouds which have been served and parcelled-
attaching to typical stainless shrouds is tougher, as the attachments
tend to slip and creep downwards. Generally a lot of work with tarred
marline is necessary to get things secured. (I know this from
experience).

Ratlines are much more convenient and useful (especially when underway)
than mast steps, but by the time you do the splicing and lashing, they
will take more time than attaching a few folding steps to your mast. On
the other hand, splicing is more fun than drilling and tapping.

If you are going to do 'ratlines', I'd advise making some of them
wooden- much more comfortable.

Cheers
John