[C320-list] raising a bosun's chair

[igrunes at comcast.net]

Warren,
As usual you have very practical responses.
One question though, is how does one get down?
Irv Grunes
Isle of Wight #851

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com> 

> A trick I found can be used with two halyards and one line tender is this: in 
> halyard #1, tie a long loop that hangs about at your hip when taught. Secure 
> both halyards to the chair. Have the line tender haul #1 & #2 halyards taught. 
> Sitting in the chair, the loop from #1 should now be at your knees. Place a 
> foot in the loop and stand-up. This slacks the #2 halyard so the tender can 
> pull it taught. Now, sit down so the tender can pull the slack from #1. Stand 
> again on the loop in #1, and pull #2 taught. This way, the tender need not 
> crank wenches with you weight. The clutches act as preventers. It's not fast, 
> but it is much easier on the tender. 
> 
> Tip: don't rely on the shackles on the halyards. Tie the halyards to the chair 
> with bowline knots. 
> 
> The easiest way is to find a mast-monkey in your marina to go up for you. We 
> have one and he basically goes up bare-footed, by walking up the mast using his 
> hands and feet like a Polynesian up a palm tree. The line secures him at the 
> destination. Amazing to watch. 
> 
> Warren & Pattie Updike 
> C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar" 
> Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River 
> Chesapeake Bay