Going Aloft

[Kevin Henderson]

I know this is a common topic and question but I am still a newbie in many respects. 
I am also fiercely independent and have a desire to control as many variable as I can when performing tasks as this.
I am going to need to go aloft to change a foredeck bulb, and eventually for many other reasons as well at some point in time.  I could easily hire or ask a favor of someone to go aloft to perform a task for me, but then I will never have a first hand observation or knowledge of the condition at hand. 
Also.. The Admiral does not feel confident in handling the winches with a heavy load on them (me).

Which brings me here... I am looking at purchasing the ATN Mastclimber.  (I know some have suggested purchasing ascenders at an outdoor store but I'm not comfortable with assembling the right parts).
What are your thoughts on the mastclimber and is it worth it?  I would use it with my own Bosn chair and my wife would take up slack on a secondary safety line when I go aloft. 

Thoughts and considerations welcome.   

http://www.atninc.com/atn-mastclimber-sailing-equipment.shtml 

[Clay Greene]

We have one and we love it. Much easier than winching someone up. Well worth the money. Just be ready to loan it out to others in the marina.

[Paulus]

We have one and also love it.  Much easier than being winched up.  Ours came with a chair and small tool bag attached.

[Jim Hardesty]

Kevin,
I've used the ATN, I wasn't comfortable.  It worked, but I'm more comfortable in a bosuns chair.  I'm a few xtra pounds and could be in better shape.   I have a drum on my anchor windless, run a halyard to it.  And it's like an elevator up the mast.  No hard work for me or the windless orperator.
Just my thought on the ATN. It works well and is well made.
Jim

[lazybone]

If you have no outside muscle nothing beats the ATN system.
Of course you have to be in reasonably decent shape to use it but if your not, you have no business being dragged to the top of the mast.

He used to demonstrate his wares at the boat show with volunteers to prove how easy it was, but since I haven't been to one in a few years...

[Mike and Joanne Stimmler]

Hi Kevin,
I have no personal experience with the ATN but everyone I know who has used them, loves them. If you have used or know of a good rigger in SD you may ask them what they use and what they think of the ATN system. My thoughts.

Mike

[Ted Pounds]

I made my own climber using my bosun's chair, some webbing and a pair of Jumar ascenders I got from a local rock climbing shop.  Worked great and I found them easier to use than the ATN Climber, YMMV.