Hunter 280 mast Question

[RLynnRea]

Sorry that I don't have a picture to post, but my Hunter 280 has a sizable hole in the starboard side of the mast where I assume that the Topping lift was meant to exit via an exit block then go up to a cleat. The hole is there with 4 mounting holes in a rectangular configuration but nothing remains of the block. Hoping someone will have a picture of the correct exit block.

Interestingly, US Spars says the mast should be a Z351 but that has round sail slides and my mast has a rectangular slot for sail slides so that would make it a Z301. What mast is on your 280? Anyone have a similar exit block on the starboard side?

 

[rgranger]

Here is another thread I found on the same topic

Hunter H26 Mast Head-sail Double Sheave Box

Anybody know where I can get a new one of these? This is a double sheave box that the jib halyard exits from. It has a socket to connect the head-stay stem-ball to. I don't know if this is a specialized part for the Hunter H26 or not, but I have not been able to find any online. I have an...

forums.sailboatowners.com

 

[jssailem]

A web search for "Mast Exit Blocks" will yield a plethora of exit block images from which to select the one that meets your need.

 

[rgranger]

A web search for "Mast Exit Blocks" will yield a plethora of exit block images from which to select the one that meets your need.

Just got to know the right words....

 

[RLynnRea]

Here is my mast. Not sure if the doubler plate is from the factory.

 

[jssailem]

Can’t tell you it is OEM.

Looks to me, to be a previous owners install of an exit block. The large size was cut to simplify the install of internal halyards.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I am going out on the limb as it has been many years I sold a Hunter 280. Yes there was a rectangular exit block offered by Z Spar. After z Spar purchased Kenyon Isomat, Z Spar moved to Charlotte with everyone being laid off. Z spar left the U S and re-emerged as U S Spars back in the old factory near Gainesville Florida. Before the debacle of Hunter Marine, there was a move to file Hunter records by Eddie Breeden. And a customer of mine , Jim Seamons whose H 356 was called JAVA. HUNTER OWNERS AND SAILBOAT OWNERS RETAINED MOST BUILD LISTS OF HUNTER SAILBOATS. You could ask if Sailboat/Hunter owners to see if they have a build list to properly identify the mast of a hunter 280.
First contact sailboat owners and ask for Al, Joe or Mike who were former Hunter employees as sailboat owners is now owned by a former employee. You could also ask Dave in sales at US Spars once the mast
Has been identified.
As for the Hunter 356, check out the posts on Java by Jim Seamons. He is sorely missed by those who knew him particularly by me.
Keep us posted on the exit block. As for the above picture showing doubled plated, I don’t recall that on the mast but inside at the bottom you can see the original mast which is curved!!

 

[Tally Ho]

I used to own a H280, and I don’t recall all those rivets on my mast…maybe, but I dont recall mine having that.

@Crusty Ol Salt currently has a H280, IIRC.

Maybe he can look at his.

Greg

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

I used to own a H280, and I don’t recall all those rivets on my mast…maybe, but I dont recall mine having that.

@Crusty Ol Salt currently has a H280, IIRC.

Maybe he can look at his.

Greg

Thx for reaching @Tally Ho
Perfect timing too. I am off tomorrow and the marina is right around the corner. I will run by and get some pictures.

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

Okay, sorry about posting later than I intended. I swear it is just an "exit block" (@Crazy Dave Condon ) to prevent chafing.
We are under a small craft advisory today and and I did not break out the borescope and investigate more.



I hope this helps.

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

Yes there was a rectangular exit block offered by Z Spar.
Keep us posted on the exit block. As for the above picture showing doubled plated, I don’t recall that on the mast but inside at the bottom you can see the original mast which is curved!!

Thx Dave

If you look at the danger tag it is a Z Spar Inc. mast.
AND
I learned the proper name "Exit Block".

Life is good.

 

[Tally Ho]

Okay, sorry about posting later than I intended. I swear it is just an "exit block" (@Crazy Dave Condon ) to prevent chafing.
We are under a small craft advisory today and and I did not break out the borescope and investigate more.



I hope this helps.

Yours does have the same reinforcement plate…I guess I wasn't that observant when I had my H280.