I We just received 4 of these. They were purchased for placement lower on our Aluminum (Selden) mast. We are adding 2 more (ordered today). MastWalker steps (the other choice for aluminum folding steps, but from England and impossible to obtain here in the U.S. anymore - from what my research revealed) have a wider base, but this also means one mush choose between 5 different base curve models. This solution is far thinner, and so should not require this consideration. Unlike like MastWalker steps , these are not rated above 300 pounds; so I better not try to stop myself from falling (I weigh 200lbs) when falling! : )
In their defense, however, these Lunar Marine steps are very tightly machined. Also, they are an attractive design. These will be placed from deck level to about 8 feet above the deck. This is because of all of the Halyards our Caliber 40 has coming our of the mast. This was why a narrow, folding design was crucial.
Above 8 feet, our own "L" bracket-style bent aluminum steps will be installed. This way the lower mast remains uncluttered and resistant to halyard entanglements and abrasion.
These seem to have some form of "0" ring in the rotating bases. I can here it or them and they seem dry. I will use some Air Tool lubricant (mineral oil) to help preserve them. My opinion is this should have been mentioned in the specifications for these steps, along with lubricant recommendations. Perhaps the manufacturers will read this?
I think they will do fine for us; only a test of time and a lot of sea air and spray will tell? From their manufacturing standards alone I would recommend these. Would I run these up the entire mast? I suppose. However, 60.00 vs about 4.00 for my own "L" bracket style steps, made my decision easy. This is especially true considering the only TWO attachment points are countersunk for threaded bolts. I would not want to thread steps up the entire mast, and so rivets are my only real option. I will simply have to drill the first 6 steps (12 holes), and then I am done.
I think these are a decent alternative to the revered MastWalker steps, for North American mast hole drillers. : )