Sailing Zephyr IVvideo

This 81-Year-Old's Mast Climb Will Make Your Palms Sweat

11 December 2025 · 4 min · 3K views

What this video covers

Dave, an 81-year-old sailor, climbs the mast of his Westerly Yachts Ltd. Oceanquest 35, Zephyr IV, to replace a corroded deck and steering light unit and a wind indicator.Watch He uses a bosun’s chair and a spinnaker halyard for the ascent, with Bill operating an eWincher electric winch handle to provide the lifting power.0:44 The radar scanner prevents a single vertical path, requiring Dave to be lowered and re-hoisted to access both sides of the mast for drilling out pop rivets.1:14 Dave uses a bucket to transport tools, including a drill and a heat gun for wiring connections.1:32 During the final ascent to the masthead, the eWincher’s overheat protection triggers four feet from the top, requiring a brief cooling period before the device resumes operation.3:53 The eWincher successfully completes nine total hoists on a single battery charge.3:43 The project confirms the eWincher’s capability to handle repeated heavy lifting, though it is susceptible to thermal cutout during sustained high-load use.

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Boats in this video

Westerly Yachts Ltd. Oceanquest 35Their boat

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