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Ship Mast Nets

How Ship Mast Nets Differ from Cargo Nets

Unlike cargo nets, ship mast nets do not have a perfectly square or uniform grid. Instead, they feature a tapered design that narrows toward the top of the net. This tapering is what gives ship mast nets their authentic appearance and functionality.

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Key differences include:

  • A wider bottom than top

  • Vertical ropes that move closer together as they rise

  • A trapezoidal (trapezium) overall shape

  • A visually accurate “mast net” appearance

 

This design requires careful planning and precise hand construction.

Recommended Proportions for Proper Design

From a construction and performance standpoint, ship mast nets work best when the top width is approximately half the width of the bottom.

 

For example:

  • If the top width is 3 feet, the bottom width should be about 6 feet

 

This ratio ensures:

  • Proper grid tapering

  • Structural balance

  • A clean, authentic look

 

While other proportions are possible, this ratio produces the best results in most applications.

Grid Design & Rope Spacing

Ship mast nets feature a constant horizontal grid spacing, meaning the distance between each horizontal rope remains the same from top to bottom.

 

However, the vertical ropes gradually move closer together as they approach the top of the net. For example:

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  • Vertical ropes may be 14 inches apart at the bottom

  • Vertical ropes may taper to 7 inches apart at the top

 

This gradual tapering creates the distinctive appearance associated with traditional ship mast nets.

Rope Sizes & Construction Method

Like our cargo nets, ship mast nets are constructed using two different rope sizes:

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  • Mesh ropes (slightly smaller diameter)

  • Border or frame rope (larger diameter)

 

The heavier border rope runs around the perimeter of the net and is joint spliced at the bottom side, providing added strength where the net experiences the most tension.

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All ship mast nets are hand spliced, ensuring strong, secure connections that will not pull out under load.

Safety-Focused Grid Sizes

Due to head entrapment safety concerns, we only offer ship mast nets with:

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  • 9" grid spacing

  • 12" grid spacing

 

The final grid dimensions may vary slightly depending on:

  • Top width

  • Bottom width

  • Overall height

 

This approach allows us to maintain safety while preserving the authentic tapered appearance.

Reinforced Corners & Hardware

Every ship mast net includes built-in features to improve durability and simplify installation.

 

Bottom Corners

  • Tubular webbing is added to both bottom corners

  • Helps prevent rope chafing

  • Protects high-wear areas

  • Extends the life of the net

 

Top Corners

  • Pear-shaped sling links are installed at the top two corners

  • Clearly define the corners

  • Simplify mounting and installation

  • Provide strong, secure attachment points

 

These features are standard on all ship mast nets we manufacture.

How Ship Mast Nets Are Priced

Ship mast nets are sold by the square foot, similar to cargo nets. However, because ship mast nets are trapezoidal in shape, the square footage calculation is slightly different.

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How to Calculate Square Footage

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To calculate the square footage of a ship mast net:

  1. Add the top width and bottom width

  2. Divide that number by two

  3. Multiply the result by the height

 

Formula

 

Area = ½ (Top Width + Bottom Width) × Height

Example Cost Calculation

Example:


A Poly Dacron Rope Ship Mast Net with:

  • 3' top width

  • 6' bottom width

  • 20' height

  • 12" grid

  • 3/4" mesh ropes

  • 1" frame rope

  • Price: $8.00 per square foot

 

Calculation:

  • 3' + 6' = 9'

  • 9' ÷ 2 = 4.5'

  • 4.5' × 20' = 90 square feet

  • 90 × $8.00 = $720.00

  • Shipping (5%): $36.00

 

Total Cost: $756.00

Custom Design Assistance Available

Because ship mast nets involve tapered dimensions and non-uniform spacing, many customers prefer assistance with calculations. If you need help determining the correct size or square footage, simply submit a Contact Form, and our team will be happy to assist you.

 

We routinely help customers with:

  • Proportion planning

  • Grid selection

  • Square footage calculations

  • Rope material selection

Why Choose Ship Mast Nets from Nets R Us

Customers choose Nets R Us for ship mast nets because we offer:

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  • Authentic tapered mast net design

  • Hand-spliced construction

  • Safety-conscious grid spacing

  • Reinforced corners and hardware

  • Custom-built dimensions

  • Factory-direct pricing

  • Nationwide U.S. and Canada shipping

 

Each net is built with attention to detail and real-world performance in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Ship mast nets have a tapered grid and trapezoidal shape, unlike uniform cargo nets.

  • For safety reasons, ship mast nets are only available in 9" and 12" grids.

  • Yes. Submit a Contact Form and we’ll assist with calculations.

  • Yes. All ship mast nets are built to order.

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Request a Quote or Get Design Help

If you’re planning a Ship Mast Net and need help with sizing, pricing, or design, contact Nets R Us today.

Quality Cargo Nets & Rope Ladders

Custom Ship Mast Nets with Authentic Tapered Design

Ship mast nets are a specialized type of net that differ significantly from standard cargo nets in both appearance and construction. At Nets R Us, we manufacture custom hand-spliced ship mast nets designed to replicate the traditional look and function found on real sailing ships, tall ships, and maritime installations.

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These nets are commonly used for:

  • Marine and nautical environments

  • Decorative and themed installations

  • Historical replicas and tall ships

  • Recreational climbing structures

  • Specialty architectural or display projects

 

Every ship mast net we produce is built to order, ensuring proper proportions, safe grid spacing, and long-term durability.

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