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?”
