Mast crack hunter 23

[doctrwhy85]

Hello! I recently acquired a Hunter 23, and I was taking things apart to do some maintenance, and noticed that the base of the mast had a crack in it.

I removed the old mast base, to look at it. It is not where any of the rivets are for the foot, however, it is just to the aft side of the mast. What does the group think? Is this safe to use, or am I better off seeing if I can get an extrusion made or a new mast altogether?

Also, apparently my phone pictures are too large, so I have attached a dropbox link.

thanks!

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Matt
INW

 

[CrispyCringle]

Thats a tough one. It looks to me like the piece broke out from a stress fracture. Id be willing to bet that the base of the mast didnt fit tight and square to the base.

Can you sail it? Sure, but it is compromised. By how much? Thats the question. A new/used mast would be the best option. But thats expensive and possibly difficult given the boats age. You may be able to get a small patch welded. But Im not a aluminum welder expert.

Personally, it would make me paranoid to sail with it like that. You cant control unexpected gusts.

If you do try to repair it, make sure the mast fits perfectly square and tightly "bottomed out" on the mast foot. Its soft metal and shapes easily with a file. The forces of the mast a primarily in compression, so it needs to have a good seat on the mast foot to prevent what has already happened.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I'm no fabricator or rigger but I believe a skilled fabricator could fix this and overbuild it a bit

 

[doctrwhy85]

Thank you for the replies! I will post what I am able to do locally/find a mast if unable

Matt

 

[rgranger]

There is a sleeve that fits over this mast that is used to house the spreaders. I’ve attached a picture of one that I purchased right here at the SBO store. Slip this over the bottom, cut off the ears and rivet it in place and you will have your overbuilt mass base repaired

 

[Shacklepin]

Odd damage. I agree that a good fabricator can make that like new. A half fast fabricator can fix it but it may not be pretty. Remember the majority of the mast loads are straight down, very little from the side. Honestly a stainless hose clamp around the butt of the mast would give it lots of reinforcement and peice of mind. There is a mast and boom for a Hunter 23 on Facebook marketplace I think in Ohio??? If that is gone I know where there is another.
Goid sailing
Dale

 

[rgranger]

There is a sleeve that fits over this mast that is used to house the spreaders. I’ve attached a picture of one that I purchased right here at the SBO store. Slip this over the bottom, cut off the ears and rivet it in place and you will have your overbuilt mass base repairedView attachment 233560

On second thought, don't cut off the ears... instead, put a shackle with a block in them and you can run flag halyards up the mast....

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Former Hunter dealer. You will need to cut off the bottom so it even all around. I believe you have a Kenyon Isomat mast. Check with this forum store and get the model number of the mast. Call Rig Rite for their suggestions. Keep us informed

 

[Shacklepin]

If you cut off the stump all of the standing rigging will be to short. Think twice before you cut. A good fabricator can fix that no problem.

 

[rgranger]

If you cut off the stump all of the standing rigging will be to short. Think twice before you cut. A good fabricator can fix that no problem.

If you cut off 1/2 inch and then make a 1/2 inch spacer out of starboard and place the mast step on that, you will get your rigging to be right again. I've done this with an old Macgregor 21.

 

[doctrwhy85]

Yes, it is the Kenyon Isomat with the very strange foot and base. I had planned anyway to change to the new design, and I was able to find a used mast locally from another chap who's boat was sadly no more. So now I have two masts, and have been looking for a good fabricator. While I do like the idea of using the spreader ring as a flag halyard base, I also don't want to catch my ankles on those ears.
Thanks all again!

Unfortunately for my wallet, this project is now becoming much more than expected, with new instrumentation, sails, rigging, GPS/plotter, water added to the cabin, reinforcement at the transom, possibly shelves in the lazarette.....oof

 

[rgranger]

WEll the cheap way to do this would be to cut off the damage part, add a spacer under the mast base (like a piece of HDPE--i.e. starboard) and then put it all back together. Many people have done that (including myself).

The only thing that will change is that the boom will now sit about a half inch higher.