How to Make Mast Steps for Under $100

This is a simple how to make mast steps for your sailboat. For all the supplies we spent less than $100 to make all of the steps. Mast steps are very critical for a sailboat to easily ascend and descend the mast to fix halyard or light problems.
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[@richardklyce3448]

I just did the same thing on my 36' Catalina. However I used 4) 3/16" aluminum rivets on each step so no corrosion issues. BTW you will find that a pair of steps at the top is much more comfortable to stand on for an extended period than just one.

[@redwood1957]

How have yours held up

[@formosa41]

I would have put steps on both sides at the top. it would make it more comfortable and stable while working up there. one other thing, use some soft jaws (just a couple short pieces of aluminum angle "iron")on the vice so you don't leave jaw marks on the steps.

[@dtonvista]

Now that is spectacular, great information to use, I might have put to steps on the top to make it easier to stand to do work on the top, but I like the way you did this, with no lines on the inside of your mast that works great!

[@vandalorian8777]

Great idea, the only change I would make is to use 1/4 inch aluminum blind rivets. They have a shear strength of 1000 pounds and eliminate any concerns of corrosion

[@Tampo-tiger]

This is wonderful. Mast steps are very expensive and sometimes complex, so to see such an elegant and simple solution is brilliant. The cost of flat ally bar is about to sky-rocket!

[@Tampo-tiger]

I'm just wondering, would you use one of those scissor riveters to install the steps? I'm thinking my ordinary little riveter isn't man enough to use in a place where your life would be put at risk if the step isn't securely fastened.

[@redwood1957]

How has that held up? Have you removed any bolts to check? Thank you Mike

[@Grandpacarlreacts]

Cool, Great Video thanks. Any concern of the bolts inside the mast rubbing lines and causing failures?

[@fletcherfindlay4356]

Great video, thank you. It is always nice to get what you need without the BS.

[@obkcaptain]

Why not the last two steps at the same high?

[@mydearriley]

Please excuse my landlubber naiveté, but is there a particular reason the triangle steps are "pointed up" as opposed to "point down?"

[@mydearriley]

I realize I'm imagining a "shelf," but perhaps am incorrect on the strength differential between the two orientations.

[@mydearriley]

THAT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE@@Venturelivesinallofus

[@SVSecondChance]

nice job

[@youyouulf]

23 inches between stepping platforms are a bit on the higher end. Seldén mast recommend "no less than 15 and no more than 19 inches", so 17 should be suitable for most people, especially if the one(s) climbing the mast is not super fit. Also, the higher you climb, the more nervous you'll get, so it's a good thing to have less distance between the foot platforms over the spreaders. Two parallel steps on the top is a must, and they should be no less than approx 52 inches below the mast head, not to risk tipping over the top once you're there. Mast steps is a safety matter, great for inspections and repairs and can also be both a challenge and fun to climb. Btw, always use safety equipment when climbing the mast, you don't want to risk falling down. Regards from Ulf Skauge, maker of enclosed mast steps, Norway.

[@justindoyle3061]

What is a die? And what do you use it for? Don’t you just drill holes with the quarter inch bit in the mast and aluminum and then tighten the bolt in? I’m just trying to figure out how to do this and can’t figure out what a die is/what it’s for in this project

[@KristianPletten]

Nice work! These how to's are helpful! Thanks.

[@jbsanger696]

Great video...thank you for sharing

[@neptunesfancy]

How are the steps working out?

[@silkyjones2626]

That was a TAP. A die is the female one.

[@douglashoagland3434]

Hey thanks for the video, it's very helpful! However, my question to you, is do you know of a way to re-attach a masthead without un-stepping the mast itself? Seeing as I can't use the main halyard, I'd like to install the steps to get up there but would have very little to harness myself onto. Let me know if you think of anything and I really appreciate it!!!

[@jolllyroger1]

Use 3 prusik hitches but tie them to the mast with a loop to both feet and one to a harness..... Climb the mast just like it is a rope you may need to use extra loops or different friction hitches but you can find one that works..... Another way is to look at hunters tree climbers..... Or concrete pole climbers..... Just be sure to have safety back ups and someone there incase you fall.... You could also watch pole dancer videos and learn how to climb poles with little effort... No joke there is always a way of you think who climbs poles

[@shipskepr1]

looks great guys,my only thought is vibration may back the bolts off.lock tight??,,or maybe do a visual thing ,scribe a line on the bolt and mast ,that way you can visually see if the lines are lined up yur good.just my 2 cents ,,,,fair winds an safe passages,,,paul

[@shipskepr1]

good deal

[@RoyalStifler]

good job ! very well done !

[@ChadKovac]

Does it concern you, having 48ish new holes in your mast? Not being sarcastic, I'm actually curious about doing this.

[@ChadKovac]

Keep us updated if anything changes... I'm thinking this might be a fun project.

[@youyouulf]

On the Seldén mast web site, they conclude that holes drilled into the mast for installing mast steps will not weaken the mast itself.

[@carlsails58]

Two thumbs up. Would not trust my life to rivets.

[@bethells86]

screws/bolts without nuts would not be as strong I thought. Over time corrosion can set in despite use of that compound, which would either provide better holding (metals corroded and bonded together) Or simply slip out. Only down side with rivets would be having upto 4 per step, means 4 holes. I see there is a rope ladder design that looks promising.

[@jasonleuschen5283]

Rivets are used in a lot of critical applications in airplanes and race cars. I would trust them far more than a bolt, hand-tapped, into a thin section of aluminum. And aluminum rivets into an aluminum mast means no potential for corrosion. I'm not being critical of the bolt solution chosen here, still workable, but I wouldn't dismiss rivets.

[@captmack007]

horrifying windage increase

[@rodshehan3886]

Bolts without nuts are screws....