Repair or Replace

[Kevin84]

The base of my mast has dryrot going all the way around and about six inches up. Repairable or should I bite the bullet and order a new mast?

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[bornyesterday]

Vastly cheaper surely to have an extension piece welded to the base fitting?
Even having a completely redesigned fitting made would be cheaper wouldn't it?

[Cheechako]

Repair. Pieces are scarfed onto wood masts all the time arent they?

[Kevin84]

So I've heard. I just bought the boat and this is the first time I've ever dealt with a wood mast. I know they can be repaired, just wasn't sure if it'd be feasible considering the location.

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[jeremiason]

Kevin

Find a good Shipwright and he will be able to do the work for you. It will cost at least 75-85% less than a new or used mast.

There should some Shipwrights near you who work on wooden boats/masts.

[Kevin84]

Thanks. I was leaning towards repair, just wanted to make sure it was feasible. Long term I'll be replacing the mast with a new aluminum one to reduce maintenance, but for now just to get out sailing repair sounds much better.

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[bornyesterday]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Repair. Pieces are scarfed onto wood masts all the time arent they?

I may be wrong but I don't think replacement of the whole circumference of a hollow wooden mast -especially such a short length - would be recommended.
Even scarfed at, say, 1/12 it'd still be a hard spot wouldn't it?

[Pirate999]

Scarf a new piece on and it will be good as new

[ElGatoGordo]

I'd scarf it.

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by bornyesterday

I may be wrong but I don't think replacement of the whole circumference of a hollow wooden mast -especially such a short length - would be recommended.
Even scarfed at, say, 1/12 it'd still be a hard spot wouldn't it?

They generally will do a scarf a 4 -6 feet long piece. I have seen this done a number in San Francisco at a friends boat yard. I does work and is a hell of a lot cheaper than trying to have a new mast turned.

[Kevin84]

Actually, I just spoke to the boat yard and the rigger there thinks he can get me a used aluminum mast and boom for a little less than repairing the wooden one.

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[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by Kevin84

Actually, I just spoke to the boat yard and the rigger there thinks he can get me a used aluminum mast and boom for a little less than repairing the wooden one.

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Kevin if you are set in buying a new aluminum mast and boom, remember to add in the additional costs for the new mast.

Unless the new aluminum mast is an exact replica of your wooden mast, you will need new standing rigging; probably have to modify your existing sails; and purchase new electronics/wiring for the mast. You may also have to paint the new aluminum mast if it is used.

As long as your not on a budget, it is the best thing to do and would end much of the maintenance issues with the wooden stick.

If you are on a budget, I would stick with the wooden mast and get it repaired.

[Atiyeh12]

Originally Posted by jeremiason

As long as your not on a budget, it is the best thing to do and would end much of the maintenance issues with the wooden stick.

If you are on a budget, I would stick with the wooden mast and get it repaired.

WE ARE ON A BUDGET! At least for now.

[sparrowhawk1]

Before your last 2 posts I was going to suggest getting a used aluminum mast. If its the same length and your boom is the same length or longer nothing else needs to be changed.


edit. I assumed the last post was from you but either way I think you're better off in the long run replacing it with a used aluminum one.

[Kevin84]

Actually, I want the boom shorter. From what I've read the easiest way to reduce the weather helm on the T37 is by shortening the foot of thr main from 15' to 13'. Besides, the sails all need replacing anyway. The current main was used when the PO bought it and its already been cut down once to fit the mast. That and the Yankee has also been blown out.

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