Mast Wrap

[NCSailor]

On my Gulfstar 37 the mast is keel stepped. I have been on other boats that have the interior portion of the mast covered or wrap. Are there any recommendations for what to use?

[UNCIVILIZED]

While your description of "mast wrap" is kind of vague, I'm going to guess that when you say wrap, what you're really referring to is that a lot of the wiser folks who spend plenty of time onboard, wrap/put a covering on the belowdecks portion of the spar for insulation value. As without such, when it's chilly outside, a keel stepped mast can make it that much harder to keep the boat's interior warm.

If that's the case, & you're not speaking of products & items to seal the mast against water intrusion via the collar. Then, a simple way to go, would be tp pick up some closed cell foam, like say, a backpacking sleeping pad (or two). Cut it to size, & affix it in place with tape (tape it to itself). And then cover it with anything from a scrap of your boat's sunbrella, to making a decorative cloth cover, which fits overtop of the foam insulation.

[Delancey]

We use a yoga mat which just so happened to be the perfect length and width. Makes a big difference!

[gjordan]

Or you could be asking about the decorative Marline spike wrapping of small line that looks very nautical (and can be a bit of insulation). It is shown in marline spike books and I expect that a synthetic line that would dry quicker, if you happened to get a leaky boot would be better than hemp or sisal, or any of the natural ropes. My last boat had that on the mast below decks, and it made a better handhold as I moved around than a slick painted mast would have. From coach roof to cabin sole will take many hours of work, but it looks great. I hope this helps. _____Grant.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by gjordan

Or you could be asking about the decorative Marline spike wrapping of small line that looks very nautical (and can be a bit of insulation). It is shown in marline spike books and I expect that a synthetic line that would dry quicker, if you happened to get a leaky boot would be better than hemp or sisal, or any of the natural ropes. My last boat had that on the mast below decks, and it made a better handhold as I moved around than a slick painted mast would have. From coach roof to cabin sole will take many hours of work, but it looks great. I hope this helps. _____Grant.

Actually, Grant, it would depend on the diameter of the line you use. Usually, what i see is about 3/8" diameter, and I wouldn't think it would take over 2 hrs. to coachwhip the 6 feet or so of exposed mast, if there is easy access.

Ann

[gjordan]

What I had on my last boat (I didnt do it) , I believe was 1/8 or 3/16th line and was wrapped very very tight. It was there when I bought the boat, and still looked good when I sold it 8 years later. I made the "Many Hours" comment based on a friend that had done his SS steering wheel, in a rather intricate pattern, and said he had about 8 hours into it. Larger line would certainly take less time, and serve the same purpose. My friend didnt like it when I said I would take the pedestal and wheel and toss it over the side and go back to a tiller, but that is a different issue. Just another opinion. ______Grant.

[jongleur]

I sewed a nice quilt and put velcro on
the edges so we could put it on and take
it off. Worked well to keep the interior a
bit warmer. Wasn't needed in summer.

[Suijin]

Some boat owners cover theirs to either protect the mast from scratches or as padding for safety. If the former, vinyl is easy to clean and at the other end is Ultrasuede, which is much nicer and, honestly, just as easy to clean. Usually installed with a strip of velcro to close it up along one side. Honestly you can use whatever you want that fits your wallet, lifestyle, and taste.

For padding you can do the same, under the cover, with 1/8" closed cell foam which is compact but provides just enough protection to keep yourself from getting knocked out in a seaway.

[Pete7]

We have a deck stepped mast with a support pole in the cabin but same idea. I covered the pole in a flexible real wood veneer which came pre glued. Just needed an iron to heat the glue up to stick it on.

Wood Veneers, Flexible Veneer Sheets - Specialist Wood Veener from Vale Veneers UK

[Sailor Bob 350]

I've done some fancy rope work on my companionway grab pole and handholds. I tried synthetics, and the rope work has all the charm of a plastic bathmat. The best looking stuff is cheap cotton clothesline from Ace Hardware, very yachtie looking! The trick is to then give it several coats of clear acrylic varnish. It is the only coating that won't darken the rope, it doesn't change the look at all but keeps dirt out. It is the best kept secret of marlinspike artists. Mine still look like new after 3 years.

You might want to make a few wraps with different size line, say 1/4" and 3/8" to see what looks best. (for my 1" dia. pole I believe I used 3/16). To keep the line from slipping, cover the whole pole with masking tape first - trust me, it makes it 100% easier! If you want to add a layer of insulation before the tape that should work fine, so long as it is something fairly stiff. You have to pull the line fairly tight, and it will look lumpy if the insulation can be crushed.

A Turk's head knot at the top is beautiful, and it's easy to learn online. Patience is the key! You only have to get it right once and you will enjoy it for years! Then a simple series of half hitches will give a pretty spiral pattern, and goes very fast. Finish with another Turk's head at the bottom, put the acrylic on, and you have a beautiful work of nautical art!

[leftbrainstuff]

Some padded quilting and velcro from joanns and a little sewing makes for a nice way to insulate the mast. It's a great heatsink to suck the heat out of the boat.

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[NCSailor]

Some great ideas. Thanks all.