hollow box masts were made by taiwanese and other builders in 70s. my
formosa has one.
taiwanese boats may not have spruce masts, as spruce was distant from
taiwan. mine are thai cedar. 40 yrs old thai cedar. awesome me. taiwanese manufacturing cos also used a
new zealand wood.
hollow box masts are rectangular, 4 sided boxes. some have stringers inside for affixment of bales and
cleats etc. some have reinforcing blocks built into them.
not all hollow box masts are the same. that is part of the benefit and blessing of
ownership of nonproduction boats. no 2 are same.
wood masts and booms made in this manner are not heavy weight wise, and they are flexible and strong. they hurt as much as solid spruce ones when you are hit by em ( ask me how i know this ha ha ha ha), but they are just as strong, and in many cases stronger.
you donot mention the marque boat. could make a difference.
wood masts are easier to
repair than aluminum and are less expensive to make and
repair., depending on the wood chosen for mast build,. ye do not need a welder to repair wood.
for the most part
formosa masts were painted. i will not be painting my repaired mizzen, once the
work is done. mine was damaged by furycame patricia inbarra de navidad last fall.