Need To Replace a Mast

[Ron Chalian]

It was a great day de-rigging the '81 Lancer 25 Mark V until the mast broke in two! I'm too embarrassed to tell you how it happened, so please be satisfied with human error and a little forgiveness. I am the former owner of this boat helping (?) the new owner. We are in Colorado and would appreciate information on where to look for a replacement mast. Information and thoughts about mast repair would also be appreciated.

[Don C L]

Wish I could help you out there. I am very familiar with human error so I feel your pain. I can recommend some great folks out in Watsonville, CA, Ballenger spars, but that is too far I bet. I'd give them a call anyway for advice, great folks. If the mast is broken in two, or I am guessing fully bent really, best to start looking locally for masts from a similar size boat. Do you by chance have access to a trailer that could handle a 30 foot mast? That could help in case you find a mast somewhere within reasonable driving distance.

[DenverSailors]

Originally Posted by Ron Chalian

It was a great day de-rigging the '81 Lancer 25 Mark V until the mast broke in two! I'm too embarrassed to tell you how it happened, so please be satisfied with human error and a little forgiveness. I am the former owner of this boat helping (?) the new owner. We are in Colorado and would appreciate information on where to look for a replacement mast. Information and thoughts about mast repair would also be appreciated.

I have a friend with an "extra" mast for a Catalina 22 if it's of any use to you.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Marinas, boatyards, rigging shops, boat storage yards, boat salvage yards, used gear chandleries: All of these tend to have spars in need of a new home.


But consider too, that many times a damaged mast can be rebuilt, if the damage isn't too terrible. Though on a boat this size it may be cheaper to find a replacement. But rebuilding's an option.

[DenverSailors]

Originally Posted by DenverSailors

I have a friend with an "extra" mast for a Catalina 22 if it's of any use to you.

Forgot to mention...he and it are in Arvada.

[guyrj33]

There are lot's of boats with similar sized masts. hopefully you'll be able to find a local source.

[CHRIS V CLEMENT]

Ron -
We bent a mast in our Farr 36 in New Orleans.

After shopping for a replacement, it became clear that Ballenger Spars in California was the best value.
We knew that shipping would be an issue, but we solved that problem by waiting on another over length sailboat to head our way from the west coast. Our new mast was added to the load, and dropped in New Orleans.

One of the other options that you may want to consider is upgrading the mast to carbon fiber. The cost has come down considerably.

Good luck and good sailing!

[foufou]

Plenty of used masts on Craigslist. Search different areas. Good luck

[zeehag]

friend broke a mast and had it sleeved. welded and strengthened. works fine, now is 6 years later, and he is across dock from me with the same repaired boat.
l cannot even see repair i know is there. i helped re step mast and i am friends with the welder.

[Ron Chalian]

Thank you, mates! In addition to the much appreciated information, you are helping to pull me away from the mental/emotional reruns of yesterday's mishap, regain my perspective, and remember those who have suffered so much more these past few months. In spite of it all, we sail on....

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by Ron Chalian

Thank you, mates! In addition to the much appreciated information, you are helping to pull me away from the mental/emotional reruns of yesterday's mishap, regain my perspective, and remember those who have suffered so much more these past few months. In spite of it all, we sail on....

Assuming that it folded over somewhere along it's length you could probably repair it with sleeves. It's worth talking to a rigging shop about, although there are probably few in Colorado to choose from and fewer that have the skills and tools to do the job.

As stated there are lots of used masts floating around...the hard part is tracking the right one down. You might start by calling the bigger rigging shops on the west and east coasts. They often have "boneyards" in the back with old masts, and at the very least they could probably point you to other sources.

For transport you can usually get your mast "piggybacked" on a boat transport truck that is carrying a boat by your location.

I have a friend who just found a used mast for his Amel. Had it trucked up from FL piggybacked with a boat being shipped. He's in the process of cutting it down and moving hardware, but it will work perfectly for his needs.