I can remember a long time ago, while you guys were still in the boat house that someone made the comment, " they aren't boat builders, at best they are hobbiests" and I thought how rude. I wonder if that schmuck is still watching. To see how far you two have come is simply amazing. Take care and God Bless from Florida.
You know... you two salvaged my day. I had a pretty terrible day today. Here I am, laying bed trying to just put this day behind me. Then I scroll down and realized I even missed my morning Salt & Tar. Instantly clicked and your love for each other and the passion you put into your home is just inspiring. Thank you for showing me good things are still out there. 😊
The ending sound track was marvelous. That is a perfect example of solving an engineering problem using the same techniques used two hundred years ago. You guys are fantastic and I really love the story of Rediviva and your build. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing adventure in your lives.
This is when I really appreciate the tabernacles on out steel Gaff Schooner. Makes raising the mast very very easy.. Pin the base, attach the gaff, attach side stays and up she goes.
I really like your posts. I'm a little to old to build a sailboat for myself. But I still injoy watching it being done. I myself plan on retiring on a sailboat soon. That's why I'm here in Ft. Lauderdale, waiting for a hurricane to bash some sailboats so I can get a fixer upper and do the work for myself and get it cheap! But I wish you fair winds and good sailing!
You know it little things that get me to click the like button. Little things like watching Garrett and Ruth pick fun at each other, or like this video your little smoothie magic trick with splicing videos of prep and then done. Love seeing you guys work and live your dream.
Many years ago the bridge over the river at Imola Ave. in Napa was a steel drawbridge. I remember my father and his crazy buddies used the bridge frame to raise and set a mast on his boat. He was a "better to seek forgiveness than ask permission" kind of guy. Very inventive solutions, just like you guys.
Haha that's awesome! I remember that bridge fondly. I grew up in Napa and rode my bike over that green bridge to roam through the "new" Target when it was built, it felt like an adventure haha R
@@SaltandTar That whole area where Target and Raley's and Hampton Inn are now, used to be the settling ponds for the city sewage plant. Just south of there I went to the very first year of the new Napa Junior College in 1966 (now Napa Valley College). Lots of great memories. Hope you guys stay safe from the fires.
I am on two Tech Rescue Teams. And this could not be more true. Same goes for sailing/boating. You cant afford to have a knot let loose when you arent expecting it....ever. I hate when I ask "what kinda knot are you using?" And I get a shrug of the shoulders while gobbling up loops of line and I get the reply "I dunno" That why we like to say, if ya cant tie a knot...tie alot.
Ruth you devil 😈 I was so looking forward to seeing you all raise it in the river and then you end this weeks episode, you little minx you!. What a way to make sure we tune into next week's episode!!!
It works out that way with my wife too. The times I really need her the most for something, she's not available. Without fail, it's the one thing in life I can count on.
So well filmed.. cool sequences as steps evolved...your beautiful boat from so many angles..she is stunning ! Look how charming & inviting Redidiva's cabin beckons with the cozy interior lit as evening falls...wow !
Thanks for making this channel. You folks are a great part of my life and I look forward to watching you solve these challenges, like in some exotic bay trying to BBQ a Marlin.
Gaining another step toward completion. Nicely done. Cant wait until next week's video when we actually get to see the mizzen go in. Rock on, guys and gal, you're getting there. Be ready to sail in no time. You can finish the interior any time.
Can't wait to watch you step the mizzen mast. Your planning and prep are paying off. As in painting, 90% of the job is planning and prep. Not too very long and I'll be able to wish you fair winds and following seas.
Ruth you are such a tease, I was just getting settled and ready to watch the mizzen go up and now I have to wait another week. Damm. God bless the both of you and Stay Safe and I will see you guys next week.
Brings back memories of my teen years, helping to sail a large ketch in the strait of Juan De Fuca! Climbing the main mast in a bosons chair to look out over the marina at all the boats...sigh.
Frankly, I was more impressed with her juggling multiple lines/halyards while hoisting a person up the mast. Ruth has earned badges like any other experienced sailor.
Loved it !!!!! ..... A few 'Sphincter Puckering Moments' ..... :-) :-) :-) ..... Ruth !!!! .... Don't you dare put paint on the 'Ceiling and Overhead Beams' ..... :-) :-) :-)...... Looks stunning, just a Coat or 3 of 'Varnish' .... You can Round the Bottom Corners of the 'Verticals' and paint those in a 'Contrast' Colour.... The Ceiling just makes the whole place look so warm and 'Nautical' .... Very best wishes guys.... Keep well and Stay Safe..... Cheers from NZ
I agree, the deck beams should be varnished. I think the posts beneath them should also be varnished to show off your snazzy paint job around the port lights.
MAN! What a tease! LOL I was so hoping to see the big stick standing up and then the video was over. Probably going to need Psychotherapy after that. No, really great episode. It amazes me how Garrett can follow Swab's orders so well as to get that rigging set up like it is. An awesome dog and a brilliant man. GOOD STUFF guys! Next Thursday is a long long time away!
16:45 Why am I reminded of the time I asked my wife to help winch me up the mast? About 3/4 of the way up, she got an override on the winch and couldn't clear it... :-)
"square sailing" does go as far back as Ancient Egypt so true! Sail off to Yemen these days and be greeted as heros if they showed up in this set up...make everyone all weepy given what's going on over there.
It is amazing what you guy's have achieved, love your clips. When I saw your ingredients being cut up I thought it was for a fine soup but juice I am not so sure? A half bottle of Rum would help it I suspect!
Hey, You know how to keep your Watchers! I thought, I get to see the mizzen risen and rigged! Love to see this craftsmanship. You're doing a great job! Stay save!!!!
You guys are amazing at what you do, is nice to see the care and craftsmanship,wish you the best ,Congratulations on your build and thanks for sharing these interesting videos !
Hi Ruth, you said something that made me happy, you said it was time to make yourselves healthy again (or something like that). I see you guys eat well, have you given thoughts to making your own Bitters and Tinctures to keep your body's and souls strong? It is not that hard to make.
If you're ever aloft and need someone instead of shouting you just rock the boat. You'd be amazed how fast folks come out of the cabin to figure what is going on when the boat is rolling left to right more then 10°.
I really like what you did with the middle nicopress sleeve on the masthead shrouds; leaving a bellmouth at the bottom of the sleeve instead of the third press. I don't remember seeing that detail on your shroud-making video a few months ago, but it is an important detail. So, not like you asked, and not like the manufacturer would Ever endorse using it for human suspension, but you would benefit greatly from replacing the becket block on your bosun's chair with a Non-Becket 1549 or 1571 midrange ratchet (I'm going to skip mentioning the manufacturer's name!), with No Becket. Dead end your fall rope to the rings on the chair instead of a becket, and you will find that you are then able to get at least 8, maybe 10 inches closer to the masthead. Why a ratchet block? Well, it will be obvious immediately, but it will mean that instead of needing a death grip on the hoisting rope, and its 40# load all the time, you will need barely 20lbs of pull to keep you from plummeting to the deck the second you or Ruth loosen your grip on it. In fact, you can pretty safely let go of that line altogether for a moment or two, and all that will happen is a slow, controllable and gentle descent. When you go to grab it again, you won't burn the crap out of your hands trying to put the brakes on. And say that you've re-purposed an anchor line for your fall purchase. That means Every pull you are first pulling the elastic stretch out of the rope before the chair goes up a single millimetre. So if possible, use a polyester line that stretches less than a nylon one does. I prefer 7/16" 3-strand FILAMENT (not spun) Dacron line for my own chair. 3/8" is a little hard to hold, and 1/2" is kind of bulky in my view. Using anything larger than 1/2" (or smaller than 3/8"), won't work properly in the ratchet. If you use braid, find a chunky-covered type, not a smooth one. If you are using the same length purchase every time, on the same mast, then you can coil all of the block-and-tackle parts together, like into an icebag etc. But I am climbing a different height mast every time, so I prefer to hoist the chair to the masthead (two-blocked) after i'm finished and coil the line in a normal single-part coil, separated from the blocks and chair. The main reason I won't coil all of the parts together is the top block will inevitably tumble the minute you turn your back, and using it that way is a huge waste of time. One reason you might consider keeping the blocks 2-blocked is that you now have two different height masts. Then, on the next mast I'm ascending, I tie off the chair away from the mast, like to the gammon or maybe backstay chainplate, and set the coil at the base of the mast. This is the ONLY time the ratchet is disengaged: When you are pulling the double block to the masthead as the fall line reeves itself. After the double block is at the truck, Turn On and Keep On The Ratchet. Even when it comes time to descend. It will be obvious. The reason I belay the chair far away from the coil when setting up is that it means fewer twists. After you are finished, tie the end of the fall to the chair and hoist it, empty (no tools either), up to the top. If you leave it up there too long, someone's likely to run over and look for the person that apparently fell out of that empty chair. If you don't attach a downhaul (the loose end of the fall line, for example) then it won't go as smoothly. Don't try to ease the halyard(s) until the chair is two-blocked. Since I'm so obsessive about it I use a rf69200 for my top block, the hauling line will waste the cheeks on anything less. We Are talking about your life here, why not maximize your chances of success? Any manufacturer who sees their blocks being recommended for this job would instantly shit a brick. But there are no ratchet blocks that qualify like these do, and that's for very good reasons. So, the way I described it, with a double aloft, and a single ratchet on the chair, with the fall dead-ended to the chair, will give you a purchase of, um (count the parts going to the block that moves), Three-to-One. Correction: it gives RUTH a purchase of 3:1. It gives YOU a purchase of 4:1 ! How? Because sitting in the chair, with every pull you go up a little, which actually makes it easier for you than for your helper. These days most riggers have ratchet blocks on their chairs, I discovered this very helpful method by accident, actually, in 1972, when I needed to go up the mast on my Tempest, and the only blocks I had were the Gibb (IYE?) Ratcheting spinnaker sheet blocks taken from the back end of the boat. Since the ratchet block makes a loud noise when used correctly, if anyone has Queenslands be ready for them to start whining because to them, a ratchet block sounds just like a rattlesnake. Now I'm going to apologize for being cheeky enough to think anyone would ever ask for my advice on this subject, or for thinking that anyone would be foolish enough to follow that advice. PS Some common rookie mistakes people (not you) make setting up their bosun chairs: > Using Fiddle blocks instead of Double (side-by-side sheaves) block(s). Prevents you from ever making it all the way up. >Leading the part you are pulling on out through a sheave on the Chair Block. The line you pull should come straight from the top block. >Any kind of cam cleat at the chair, to belay the line that you pull. Just Don't Do It. Tie a knot on the bight. Or lead the bight you're holding onto between the chair rings and jam it up into the ratchet sheave. >Not hoisting the top double block all the way up, even if you're only going halfway. Uncontrollably twists. >Standing up in the chair. Pure stupidity. Fastest way to die. If someone cannot reach the masthead when their system is 2-blocked, take an 8' piece of 1/4 or 5/16 warp speed dead-ended to your chair, and lead it up through the WHEREVER loop, hole etc above you, and then through the chair rings again, to give yourself a little handybilly for safely ascending that last precious foot at the top. I take a few 1-1/2" rings up there just for this. You can tie them anywhere to make a low-friction helper purchase. Always remain seated. >Using only one halyard to support the top block, or hanging on ANY kind of snap shackle. If you only Have one halyard available, lash the top block to the masthead on your first trip up, and un-lash it just before your last descent. >Here's my favorite: Using an electric fking self-tailing winch to hoist someone aloft. Why? Because when the switches fail, more often than not they fail ON, that is, you cannot turn them off. I think they do this because nobody respects the "on for 30 seconds/rest for 10 minutes" type rule that ALL electric winches have but everyone ignores. Whether they run solenoids or not, that's going to really heat up a switch. So, if someone reading this insists on using an electric fking winch to hoist a loved one, be aware that they might not be stopping at the masthead like you thought. SO... NEVER use self tailing jaws on a powered winch (for this), and ALWAYS run the line through a Closed Clutch Stopper before the winch. That way, when the winch won't stop turning just because Clyde is at the top, you can simply cast off the turns knowing that they cannot fall as the winch spins itself into next week. Thank You for letting me hijack your page for a moment. I am obsessive because I've seen Too Many people Killed, maimed, drowned or even electrocuted working aloft. More people than I have fingers left, that's a fact. As you know, Every move needs to be careful and calculated to avoid disaster. You guys are doing a beautiful job, and I'm really impressed with all the ways you've kept it affordable.
I know absolutely nothing about sailing but it looks to me that you are offering years of advice that can keep them safe, I do hope they read your comment.
It has been my experience... That poor people got poor ways! Self reliance coupled with brute strength, is always a better substitute than, intelligence and education!!!! Ha Goodonyas young people! Go get'm!
that dinner looked awesom
looking forward to next episode!!
I can remember a long time ago, while you guys were still in the boat house that someone made the comment, " they aren't boat builders, at best they are hobbiests" and I thought how rude. I wonder if that schmuck is still watching. To see how far you two have come is simply amazing. Take care and God Bless from Florida.
You know... you two salvaged my day. I had a pretty terrible day today. Here I am, laying bed trying to just put this day behind me. Then I scroll down and realized I even missed my morning Salt & Tar. Instantly clicked and your love for each other and the passion you put into your home is just inspiring. Thank you for showing me good things are still out there. 😊
Just short of Leo Sampson’s Tally Ho project. Salt and Tar is real entertainment. and the whole project is fascinating.
The ending sound track was marvelous. That is a perfect example of solving an engineering problem using the same techniques used two hundred years ago. You guys are fantastic and I really love the story of Rediviva and your build. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing adventure in your lives.
That juice transition was tight!
This is when I really appreciate the tabernacles on out steel Gaff Schooner. Makes raising the mast very very easy.. Pin the base, attach the gaff, attach side stays and up she goes.
I really like your posts. I'm a little to old to build a sailboat for myself. But I still injoy watching it being done. I myself plan on retiring on a sailboat soon. That's why I'm here in Ft. Lauderdale, waiting for a hurricane to bash some sailboats so I can get a fixer upper and do the work for myself and get it cheap! But I wish you fair winds and good sailing!
Aww, I love you guys, stay awesome!!
You know it little things that get me to click the like button. Little things like watching Garrett and Ruth pick fun at each other, or like this video your little smoothie magic trick with splicing videos of prep and then done. Love seeing you guys work and live your dream.
Many years ago the bridge over the river at Imola Ave. in Napa was a steel drawbridge. I remember my father and his crazy buddies used the bridge frame to raise and set a mast on his boat. He was a "better to seek forgiveness than ask permission" kind of guy. Very inventive solutions, just like you guys.
Haha that's awesome! I remember that bridge fondly. I grew up in Napa and rode my bike over that green bridge to roam through the "new" Target when it was built, it felt like an adventure haha
R
@@SaltandTar That whole area where Target and Raley's and Hampton Inn are now, used to be the settling ponds for the city sewage plant. Just south of there I went to the very first year of the new Napa Junior College in 1966 (now Napa Valley College). Lots of great memories.
Hope you guys stay safe from the fires.
It may be a simple thing but asking someone to tie off a rope & knowing it's done & done right priceless 😁👍.
Good “go-fers” are worth thrir weight in gold 💰💰💰
I am on two Tech Rescue Teams. And this could not be more true. Same goes for sailing/boating. You cant afford to have a knot let loose when you arent expecting it....ever. I hate when I ask "what kinda knot are you using?" And I get a shrug of the shoulders while gobbling up loops of line and I get the reply "I dunno" That why we like to say, if ya cant tie a knot...tie alot.
These two are a real team.
Ruth you devil 😈 I was so looking forward to seeing you all raise it in the river and then you end this weeks episode, you little minx you!.
What a way to make sure we tune into next week's episode!!!
It works out that way with my wife too. The times I really need her the most for something, she's not available. Without fail, it's the one thing in life I can count on.
Wiiiiiiillmaaaaa!!
@@jdearl9999 Exactly!!
I just love watching your kids work find me when I was young and my wife was still with me I enjoy seeing all your videos thank you very much
So well filmed.. cool sequences as steps evolved...your beautiful boat from so many angles..she is stunning ! Look how charming & inviting Redidiva's cabin beckons with the cozy interior lit as evening falls...wow !
I'm in awe of you stepping and raising your mast. I respect your safety measures too! Well done and CONGRATULATIONS!
Cheers Gray
Well done
Thanks for making this channel. You folks are a great part of my life and I look forward to watching you solve these challenges, like in some exotic bay trying to BBQ a Marlin.
Gaining another step toward completion. Nicely done. Cant wait until next week's video when we actually get to see the mizzen go in. Rock on, guys and gal, you're getting there. Be ready to sail in no time. You can finish the interior any time.
Can't wait to watch you step the mizzen mast. Your planning and prep are paying off. As in painting, 90% of the job is planning and prep. Not too very long and I'll be able to wish you fair winds and following seas.
Ruth you are such a tease, I was just getting settled and ready to watch the mizzen go up and now I have to wait another week. Damm.
God bless the both of you and Stay Safe and I will see you guys next week.
Best day of the week when there is another vid made by Salt&Tar and Swab. If I ever win the lottery I hereby pledge 5% to you guys!
Brings back memories of my teen years, helping to sail a large ketch in the strait of Juan De Fuca! Climbing the main mast in a bosons chair to look out over the marina at all the boats...sigh.
Great episode guys, I enjoy your ingenuity
It was really a little thing, but I was really impressed with Ruth tying a bowline. It looked like you have tied that knot many times in the past.
She's been living on boats most of her adult life....
Frankly, I was more impressed with her juggling multiple lines/halyards while hoisting a person up the mast. Ruth has earned badges like any other experienced sailor.
Lydia Johnson I have to agree with you.
If there's any knot you need to know on a boat, it's a bowline.
A figuire of eight is second..
Loved this one. Lots of thought, lots of process, got it worked out. Nice.
Great video, again. Thanks!
Ruth, I like your new hat ! No sunburn on your shoulders.
Wow! I’m so excited for you guys! Careful of those fires 🔥! Hope everyone is doing well.
As usual you guys make me smile & that's a big thing in this pandemic!
Loved it !!!!! ..... A few 'Sphincter Puckering Moments' ..... :-) :-) :-) ..... Ruth !!!! .... Don't you dare put paint on the 'Ceiling and Overhead Beams' ..... :-) :-) :-)...... Looks stunning, just a Coat or 3 of 'Varnish' .... You can Round the Bottom Corners of the 'Verticals' and paint those in a 'Contrast' Colour.... The Ceiling just makes the whole place look so warm and 'Nautical' .... Very best wishes guys.... Keep well and Stay Safe..... Cheers from NZ
I agree, the deck beams should be varnished. I think the posts beneath them should also be varnished to show off your snazzy paint job around the port lights.
MAN! What a tease! LOL I was so hoping to see the big stick standing up and then the video was over. Probably going to need Psychotherapy after that. No, really great episode. It amazes me how Garrett can follow Swab's orders so well as to get that rigging set up like it is. An awesome dog and a brilliant man. GOOD STUFF guys! Next Thursday is a long long time away!
16:45 Why am I reminded of the time I asked my wife to help winch me up the mast? About 3/4 of the way up, she got an override on the winch and couldn't clear it... :-)
Beautiful interior! I love the open concept. Well done.
Garrett's forefathers obviously built the pyramids. I love the creativity and resourcefulness!
"square sailing" does go as far back as Ancient Egypt so true!
Sail off to Yemen these days and be greeted as heros if they showed up in this set up...make everyone all weepy given what's going on over there.
It is amazing what you guy's have achieved, love your clips. When I saw your ingredients being cut up I thought it was for a fine soup but juice I am not so sure? A half bottle of Rum would help it I suspect!
Great team work u 2,awesome video.its been a heck of a journey 4 u both.blessings to u 4 sharing
I LOVE the way you are always looking for ways to "do it yourselves". Great for repirs etc whilst at sa! HUGS
It's Salt n Thursday! ...That means tommorow is Acorn to Arabella Friday😁
I'm a land lover, but I enjoy seeing people work hard
Hey,
You know how to keep your Watchers!
I thought, I get to see the mizzen risen and rigged!
Love to see this craftsmanship. You're doing a great job!
Stay save!!!!
of course it is brilliant work. I expect nothing less. You two are genius...
Brilliant work indeed
Nice progress it is getting there
Brilliant! Again. ✊🏽😊
Oh wow! What a pretty boat, first time I see your channel. Keep up the great work! Greetings from sv. Iona in the Netherlands :)
Looking great guy's. Looking forward to the next episode
Woooo doggy. Yall are makin so much progress...😎 go Big G and company.
Great work dudes
Amazing what you guys can do. Awesome!
Impressive work!!!
Great one! That’s how you do it!
Can’t wait to see the actual mizzen-hoisting!
Hi,
Thanks for sharing, You guys work so hard,well done.
I see the birds like your boat too !
Absolutely love the hammer, I think with a little ingenuity you might be able to market it.
great work keep funning it
Great episode you guys! Can’t wait to see the mizzenmast go up!!
Oh Man, a cliff hanger, Can't wait till next week!
I love this series ❤ Ruth you are such a beautiful woman inside and out ! I'm pretty sure I only watch just see you every week 🥰
just like you read in the old sailing books.
Oh man I thought we'd get to see it happen.😢😢😢😢😢
Brains and planning will win every time. Well done n done well. What a team!!! Cheers. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Yay we're gonna step the mizzen mast....it's gonna be totally awesome kids.
I'm watching this from a place of a midnight sun.
G day guys, well done 👍👍👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺
Always good stuff!!! 👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️
Nice shirt Garrett
oh, the suspense..!
How exciting.
Tricky stuff, well done guys!
Good job.👍😀⛵️
I hope you are managing somehow in the heat wave I have heard about. Stay safe doesn't quite cut it !
Thanks Chris! We're doin' alright
R
Fun episode:)
OK what ever you were eating at Reeds looked wonderful.. we need the recipe please..
You guys are amazing at what you do, is nice to see the care and craftsmanship,wish you the best ,Congratulations on your build and thanks for sharing these interesting videos !
Exciting stuff!!
I know people have been saying it for a while, but with this step, "Hold on to her, she is a real ketch."
Very nice bit of engineering!!
Garrett's the man.
Nice work! Doesn't look like Garret was vertically challenged.
UGGGGHHHH! What a tease!!!
Soon be sailing the high seas
Every sailing ship had extra spars with them.
hi very well dun guys
Hi Ruth, you said something that made me happy, you said it was time to make yourselves healthy again (or something like that). I see you guys eat well, have you given thoughts to making your own Bitters and Tinctures to keep your body's and souls strong? It is not that hard to make.
Nice job on the bowline Ruth. But can ya tie one behind yer back😄
It look a difficult day for you but it’s a beautiful day too
Last tune.... Annette Handshaw...
I enjoy doing my own rigging. My neighbors: "what is that fool doing this time?" They get their cameras ready for the big crash, which never happens.
Congratulations....ji ji ji...from Chile...chaoo
Good job. Nice safety. I used to do tower work and you can never be too safety minded. Now what were you guys doing in the rear of the pick up?
awesome
If you're ever aloft and need someone instead of shouting you just rock the boat. You'd be amazed how fast folks come out of the cabin to figure what is going on when the boat is rolling left to right more then 10°.
And funny too. Good tactic.
That’s being pretty damn resourceful. Quite impressive. #flipflopsquad
Rabbit comes out of the hole...around the tree....
Always remember if u can’t tie a knot tie a lot
Great video as usual :)
Ok that was really funny.....stuck at the top of the mast and no RUTH
Nice video
I really like what you did with the middle nicopress sleeve on the masthead shrouds; leaving a bellmouth at the bottom of the sleeve instead of the third press. I don't remember seeing that detail on your shroud-making video a few months ago, but it is an important detail.
So, not like you asked, and not like the manufacturer would Ever endorse using it for human suspension, but you would benefit greatly from replacing the becket block on your bosun's chair with a Non-Becket 1549 or 1571 midrange ratchet (I'm going to skip mentioning the manufacturer's name!), with No Becket. Dead end your fall rope to the rings on the chair instead of a becket, and you will find that you are then able to get at least 8, maybe 10 inches closer to the masthead.
Why a ratchet block? Well, it will be obvious immediately, but it will mean that instead of needing a death grip on the hoisting rope, and its 40# load all the time, you will need barely 20lbs of pull to keep you from plummeting to the deck the second you or Ruth loosen your grip on it. In fact, you can pretty safely let go of that line altogether for a moment or two, and all that will happen is a slow, controllable and gentle descent. When you go to grab it again, you won't burn the crap out of your hands trying to put the brakes on.
And say that you've re-purposed an anchor line for your fall purchase. That means Every pull you are first pulling the elastic stretch out of the rope before the chair goes up a single millimetre. So if possible, use a polyester line that stretches less than a nylon one does. I prefer 7/16" 3-strand FILAMENT (not spun) Dacron line for my own chair. 3/8" is a little hard to hold, and 1/2" is kind of bulky in my view. Using anything larger than 1/2" (or smaller than 3/8"), won't work properly in the ratchet. If you use braid, find a chunky-covered type, not a smooth one.
If you are using the same length purchase every time, on the same mast, then you can coil all of the block-and-tackle parts together, like into an icebag etc. But I am climbing a different height mast every time, so I prefer to hoist the chair to the masthead (two-blocked) after i'm finished and coil the line in a normal single-part coil, separated from the blocks and chair. The main reason I won't coil all of the parts together is the top block will inevitably tumble the minute you turn your back, and using it that way is a huge waste of time. One reason you might consider keeping the blocks 2-blocked is that you now have two different height masts.
Then, on the next mast I'm ascending, I tie off the chair away from the mast, like to the gammon or maybe backstay chainplate, and set the coil at the base of the mast. This is the ONLY time the ratchet is disengaged: When you are pulling the double block to the masthead as the fall line reeves itself. After the double block is at the truck, Turn On and Keep On The Ratchet. Even when it comes time to descend. It will be obvious. The reason I belay the chair far away from the coil when setting up is that it means fewer twists.
After you are finished, tie the end of the fall to the chair and hoist it, empty (no tools either), up to the top. If you leave it up there too long, someone's likely to run over and look for the person that apparently fell out of that empty chair. If you don't attach a downhaul (the loose end of the fall line, for example) then it won't go as smoothly. Don't try to ease the halyard(s) until the chair is two-blocked.
Since I'm so obsessive about it I use a rf69200 for my top block, the hauling line will waste the cheeks on anything less. We Are talking about your life here, why not maximize your chances of success? Any manufacturer who sees their blocks being recommended for this job would instantly shit a brick. But there are no ratchet blocks that qualify like these do, and that's for very good reasons.
So, the way I described it, with a double aloft, and a single ratchet on the chair, with the fall dead-ended to the chair, will give you a purchase of, um (count the parts going to the block that moves), Three-to-One. Correction: it gives RUTH a purchase of 3:1. It gives YOU a purchase of 4:1 ! How? Because sitting in the chair, with every pull you go up a little, which actually makes it easier for you than for your helper.
These days most riggers have ratchet blocks on their chairs, I discovered this very helpful method by accident, actually, in 1972, when I needed to go up the mast on my Tempest, and the only blocks I had were the Gibb (IYE?) Ratcheting spinnaker sheet blocks taken from the back end of the boat.
Since the ratchet block makes a loud noise when used correctly, if anyone has Queenslands be ready for them to start whining because to them, a ratchet block sounds just like a rattlesnake.
Now I'm going to apologize for being cheeky enough to think anyone would ever ask for my advice on this subject, or for thinking that anyone would be foolish enough to follow that advice.
PS Some common rookie mistakes people (not you) make setting up their bosun chairs:
> Using Fiddle blocks instead of Double (side-by-side sheaves) block(s). Prevents you from ever making it all the way up.
>Leading the part you are pulling on out through a sheave on the Chair Block. The line you pull should come straight from the top block.
>Any kind of cam cleat at the chair, to belay the line that you pull. Just Don't Do It. Tie a knot on the bight. Or lead the bight you're holding onto between the chair rings and jam it up into the ratchet sheave.
>Not hoisting the top double block all the way up, even if you're only going halfway. Uncontrollably twists.
>Standing up in the chair. Pure stupidity. Fastest way to die. If someone cannot reach the masthead when their system is 2-blocked, take an 8' piece of 1/4 or 5/16 warp speed dead-ended to your chair, and lead it up through the WHEREVER loop, hole etc above you, and then through the chair rings again, to give yourself a little handybilly for safely ascending that last precious foot at the top. I take a few 1-1/2" rings up there just for this. You can tie them anywhere to make a low-friction helper purchase. Always remain seated.
>Using only one halyard to support the top block, or hanging on ANY kind of snap shackle. If you only Have one halyard available, lash the top block to the masthead on your first trip up, and un-lash it just before your last descent.
>Here's my favorite: Using an electric fking self-tailing winch to hoist someone aloft. Why? Because when the switches fail, more often than not they fail ON, that is, you cannot turn them off. I think they do this because nobody respects the "on for 30 seconds/rest for 10 minutes" type rule that ALL electric winches have but everyone ignores. Whether they run solenoids or not, that's going to really heat up a switch. So, if someone reading this insists on using an electric fking winch to hoist a loved one, be aware that they might not be stopping at the masthead like you thought. SO... NEVER use self tailing jaws on a powered winch (for this), and ALWAYS run the line through a Closed Clutch Stopper before the winch. That way, when the winch won't stop turning just because Clyde is at the top, you can simply cast off the turns knowing that they cannot fall as the winch spins itself into next week.
Thank You for letting me hijack your page for a moment. I am obsessive because I've seen Too Many people Killed, maimed, drowned or even electrocuted working aloft. More people than I have fingers left, that's a fact. As you know, Every move needs to be careful and calculated to avoid disaster.
You guys are doing a beautiful job, and I'm really impressed with all the ways you've kept it affordable.
I know absolutely nothing about sailing but it looks to me that you are offering years of advice that can keep them safe, I do hope they read your comment.
It has been my experience... That poor people got poor ways! Self reliance coupled with brute strength, is always a better substitute than, intelligence and education!!!! Ha
Goodonyas young people! Go get'm!
Hi! U2R Rad! Love yer show. When are you going to install companionway steps? That milk crate can't be that kind on yer feet, no? :-)