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Mast Mate Ladders

Mast Mate Ladders

Regular price $292.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $292.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Size
Traditional or Short-Step
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Mast Mate Ladders include:

Nylon Shackles , Storage Bag and 2 Step Stiffeners.  Mast Slugs or Slides are Not Included.

Mast Mate Ladder

The Mast Mate ladder is a flexible, alternating-step mast ladder designed for sailboats. Constructed from 2-inch-wide heavy-duty nylon webbing ensuring durability and safety. The ladder features alternating steps, each double-reinforced with the same webbing material. Unlike traditional ladders, Mast Mate's steps are formed by two continuous parallel straps of webbing, creating a robust and seamless unit.

The traditional Mast Mate has alternating steps every 16 inches. To make climbing easier for those with smaller inseams, the short-step version has steps every 12 inches .  There are stainless steel grommets between each step for the attachment of the appropriate mast slide to fit your boat.  A stout, stainless steel D-ring at the top of the ladder attaches to your halyard and you simply haul the ladder up the mast just like you raise your mainsail.  

Number of steps 

Ladder Size  Traditional  Short-Step
27 Foot (8.3 Meter) 19 25
35 Foot (10.7 Meter) 25 33
42 Foot (12.8 Meter) 31 39
50 Foot (15.3 Meter 36 47

Key Features

  • Grommets and Attachments: Equipped with No. 3 stainless steel spur grommets between each step and a stout welded stainless steel D ring at the top for halyard connection. Nylon retainer shackles are included for attaching step grommets to the user provided slides or slugs.
  • Double Step: A double step is located 3 feet below the halyard connection, offering secure footing for mast work. This step can be positioned anywhere along the mast.
  • Gear Attachment: A No. 3 grommet between the halyard connection and the double step is provided for attaching gear, a bosun’s chair, tool bag, or harness.

Usage

Mast Mate is designed to be hoisted only when needed, much like a mainsail. If the track or slot system includes a gate, the Mast Mate is fed in above the lowered main. Otherwise, the main must be removed from the track or slot. A downhaul at the bottom of the ladder is recommended, but not required. The climber's weight typically ensures the system remains taut.

Versatility

  • Halyard Retrieval: For main halyard retrieval, Mast Mate can utilize the jib halyard (for masthead rigs) or an adjustable topping lift. With a spare halyard, it helps reduce the load on the winch when using a bosun’s chair.
  • Emergency Ladder: In emergencies, Mast Mate can serve as a boarding ladder by looping a step over a winch and casting the rest overboard.

Storage and Specifications

When not in use, Mast Mate rolls compactly for storage in the provided nylon bag. The traditional 35-foot version weighs 8 pounds and measures 14" x 2" when rolled, while the 50-foot version weighs 11.5 pounds and measures 16" x 2" rolled.

Manufacturing and Innovation

Proudly made in the United States, Mast Mate combines traditional ideas with modern materials to create a simple yet highly effective tool. It is widely praised at boat shows and by private users for its practicality, often eliciting the reaction: “Why didn’t I think of that?”

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Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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Robert Sambrook
Great Product

I've been putting off posting a review of of my Mast Mate Ladder until I had used it. Had a little trouble raising it past the lazy jacks until I slacked them off and also removed the top two step reinforcements untill I had climbed to the masthead. Really pleased with how the system worked and the quality. Also, should mention how impressed I am with the customer service. There was an issue with a courier (UPS as usual) adding a bogus charge. This was caught by the folks at Mast Mate even before I contacted them. They emailed me to say that they had noticed this tacked-on charge and refunded me the $100 immediately and had removed this courier from their approved list. Thanks for looking after your customers. Would definitely recommend.

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Rob Armstrong
Difficult to climb

Well stitched and packed but the steps are too far apart for me to climb with harness and pants on. I got two people to help me and haul me up on the halyards tied to my harness in order to reach the steps. I take yoga and strength training but this was not enough to use the steps solo.

Rob,
Thank you for your review, we really appreciated your feedback. Your note prompted us to get the Short-Step version of the ladder made and available on the web site. We've received good feedback from other customers who, like you, benefited from the shorter distance between the steps. I hope that the Short-Step ladder that we sent you is working well, please feel free to drop us a line or update this review with your thoughts.
-Matt