Mast furling slot Pinched at spreaders

[ctsbillc]

Folks,

I've just discovered that the reason my in-mast furling is so hard to use is that the slot that the sail leaves the mast through is pinched at the spreaders.

I've not been up the mast to measure it, but the slt is considerably narroed at this point.

I've never heard of this being a problem before, or how easy it is to fix.

Has anyone encountered this before. Boat is a Beneteau 311.

Tks,
Bill

[delmarrey]

I wouldn't think you would have swept back spreaders/shrouds with a furling mast, but if that's the case then that's what would have cause it.

What ever the condition the spreaders have been forced back or inward. A resolve would be to put a spike forward of the spreaders and run a wire between the spreaders with a turn buckle and pull them back forward to open the slot back up.

If you don't have the know how, I'd take it to a rigger. They'll most likely unstep the mast to do the job.

[ctsbillc]

Thanks for the input. The spreaders are swept back, strangely enough.

I'll get a rigger on it.

Have a great Xmas,

Bill

[ctsbillc]

Rigger has just told me that this is not usually a fault, but is caused during manufacture when the spreaders are welded to the mast - the expansion of the metal causes this visible kink.

Thanks again,
Bill

[delmarrey]

Humm! Not seen welded spreaders before. Usually the mounts are riveted on. APS - Selden-Proctor Dinghy Mast, Boom & Spreader Parts

What brand of mast is yours?

[ctsbillc]

I don't know. When I called the rigger, he jumped on the symptom, said is was a typical of a manufacturer I'd never heard of, and we arranged to set up a visit after the turkey has been consumed.

I went and looked at the mast, and there was nothing but a bleached white label half way up.

'Tis certainly welded though, no doubt about that.

Bill

[atoll]

may be need to get a bit of bend out of the mast

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

I wouldn't think you would have swept back spreaders/shrouds with a furling mast, but if that's the case then that's what would have cause it.

My boat has three swept-back spreaders and a furling mast. I don't think it's very uncommon.

Should not be pinching the mast slot closed if the mast is properly designed.

[blgklr]

You could try putting a wedge in the slot to spread it apart, a lot of force easily controlled can be gotten. Or aluminum files or grinds easily. Or spend the money on the rigger.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

My boat has three swept-back spreaders and a furling mast. I don't think it's very uncommon.

Should not be pinching the mast slot closed if the mast is properly designed.

I would think that anything with as small of tube, like furling masts, that swept back would arch it too much, causing all kinds of difficulties.

But I have not owned one and probably never will, unless it were over sized by two. I don't get around the modern boats much. it seems there is always something new or a change in theories.


.

[ctsbillc]

It is definitely restricted at the spreaders, and I accept the input from the rigger that it is the welding of the spreader to the mast that causes it. He related that he saw the constriction on a brand new mast, purchased because the old mast had a restriction at the spreaders.

I think it is an issue to be concerned about because my old sail was frayed though at this point.

I'm left with the issue of what do do about it. Spreading it out by pulling the spreader forward in one way, but I suspect it may go back again. I could grind out the slot to widen it, but this may roughen the surface and fray the sail.

I will probably leave it as is, and accept that it will wear the sail more than it should.

Bill

[delmarrey]

The problem with grinding is that it'll remove the anodize coating leaving bare metal. The metal can be polished/smoothed out.
Although, it probably wouldn't hurt. I see a lot of masts with the anodize worn off from halyards slapping the mast in the wind. I would be more concerned about damage to the sail.