Masthead Fabrication

[Dave Harwood]

I'm looking to replace the traditional masthead pulleys (single 8" in-the-mast sheave for the main halyard; single sheave block hung externally for the jib) on an aluminum mast with a four-sheave over-the-top unit. I contacted RigRite by phone and they asked for mast dimensions via email. They said they would have an answer for me "next week", but that was three weeks ago . . . . .

Can anyone recommend a reliable fabricator with marine experience that can do this job at a reasonable price?
I'm in New Jersey, near Atlantic City.

[Delancey]

Sheave turning is a pretty simple operation for anyone with a lathe.

Maybe there is a machinist near your location who can make them for you? Doesn't have to be a marine guy, just a guy with a lathe.

You would just need to provide him either dimensions or the original sheaves to have them turned in solid aluminum, nylon, Delrin, or whatever. I would try to match existing knowing you could expect as long a life as with the ones you have now.

[GordMay]

S P A R C R A F T - U S (CHARLESTON SPAR, INC.)
3901 Pine Grove Circle, CHARLOTTE NC 28206, USA
Phone : 704 597 1502
Fax : 704 597 0961
Sales :info@wichard-sparcraft.com
Web ➥ Masthead Technical brochures -Charleston-Spar - Mast - Boom - Riggings - Fitting - Vangs

[Dave Harwood]

Gentlemen, thank you!

My original post may have been unclear - I don't want to replace the sheaves of the original configuration, I'm looking for a complete unit that sits on top of the mast extrusion with four sheaves - two for each halyard - main tail descending forward of the mast, and jib descending aft. I've already closed the slots in the mast for the 8" sheave.

The .pdf from Charleston Spar for their masthead unit seems to indicate they have units for the extrusions in use today. They also don't show attachment tangs for the cap shrouds. My mast went out of production about 40 years ago, so I probably need a custom fabrication - which RigRite appears to offer, but they appear to be disinterested in my project.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Dave Harwood

Gentlemen, thank you!

My original post may have been unclear - I don't want to replace the sheaves of the original configuration, I'm looking for a complete unit that sits on top of the mast extrusion with four sheaves - two for each halyard - main tail descending forward of the mast, and jib descending aft. I've already closed the slots in the mast for the 8" sheave.

The .pdf from Charleston Spar for their masthead unit seems to indicate they have units for the extrusions in use today. They also don't show attachment tangs for the cap shrouds. My mast went out of production about 40 years ago, so I probably need a custom fabrication - which RigRite appears to offer, but they appear to be disinterested in my project.

I think Rigrite is the go to for all the old Pearson masts and hardware. Unfortunately as you have discovered, they aren't always the easiest to deal with and their prices aren't exactly cheap. I looked at their price for a new mast step to replace the iron one that was original equipment on my Pearson and decided to make my own.

In your case they might be your best option if you really want to go with a mast or rigging company. Have you tried following up with a phone call?

If not, there are plenty of metal fabricators out there and would not necessarily need marine experience. A good welding and metal shop with experience in welding aluminum should be good enough. Just make sure they use the proper alloy. Mail them an accurate trace of the mast section (can you access the mast head, cover with a sheet of cardboard and trace around it with a Sharpie?), a sketch of what you want and they should be able to build it for you.