Wooden masts lifespan and maintenance

[svseachange]

What's the typical lifespan of a wooden mast? Can you share any maintenance tips? Signs the mast needs to be replaced? Huon pine un this case.

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[Blue Stocking]

Bluestocking's hollow Douglas Fir spars are 51 years old, and in great shape.

[svseachange]

The broker is trying to convince me a painted wooden mast is nothing to worry about. What do you reckon?

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[Blue Stocking]

Its like asking how long is a piece of string. Properly maintained, of a suitable wood such as Sitka Spruce or old growth Douglas Fir, I know of masts more than a 100 yrs old. Judging by the general nature of your post, I would think that this is a new area for you. In which case I would suggest the mast be pulled, and an experienced woodworker/mastwright look at it closely.