Mast Tang Compression Tube - What To Use?

[SF Bay Dude]

I had my machine shop press off the aluminum sleeves (compression tubes) from the through-bolts that affix the tangs to the mast. They were very corroded and were destroyed, which is what I expected.

We are now trying to figure out the best route for the compression tube. He's got some stainless tube stock at the shop, but I am wondering if that will lead to corrosion issues, since the tube will be in contact with the mast? He doesn't have aluminum, and said it would be a bummer to have to order 20' of pipe for the two feet required.

I could also go with G10, but I need to source that, and it may take some time. Any thoughts, specifically on the stainless?

Thanks

[Breaking Waves]

Originally Posted by SF Bay Dude

. Any thoughts, specifically on the stainless?

You could put some hard synthetic washers on either end of the stainless tube to insulate the contact points from the aluminum. Would be fine.

[SF Bay Dude]

Went ahead and ordered some G10, so that solves that!

[mike d.]

I had the same problem on our Gulfstar 37 ! The s.s. bolts for the tangs were seized tight ! No way to get them out ! I used a hole saw to get the fixed side out ! I went on line and found Maxgain in Georgia ! I went up in size for the aluminum tube, because of the hole diameter, then I got fiberglass tube to fit inside the alum. tube ! So I have 1/2 inch diameter bolts inside the f-glass tubes inside the oversize alum. tubes! After a season of hard sailing everything is still as when installed ! My concern was that the fiberglass tube would crush at the outer ends, extending out of the alum. tubes! Everything is still as installed, no crushing of the glass tubes !

[Viking Sailor]

It sounds like I might be to late; but Alan Steel in Redwood City has all kinds of Al tubes and will cut to length. Sorry, don't have a website for them, they are located just down hwy 101 from you.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Viking Sailor

It sounds like I might be to late; but Alan Steel in Redwood City has all kinds of Al tubes and will cut to length. Sorry, don't have a website for them, they are located just down hwy 101 from you.

FWIW:
Alan Steel & Supply Co
505 E Bayshore Rd
Redwood City, California 94063
Phone: +1 650-369-2526

[Scubaseas]

onlinemetals dot com. Great source for any metals or plastics

[Cheechako]

No not stainless. You should be able to find aluminum tube pieces. But I see it's done now.

[Dougtiff]

Sounds like this advice is a bit late, but you can eliminate the compression tube by using a TANG attached to the mast , then to the DECK, as Larry Parday did.