1981 Hunter 22 broken mast

[Flakeypuff]

We just fractured the bottom of our mast tube lowering it. It was just a stupid mistake that has cost us dearly. This was the last step before putting it in the water. Weeks of repairs and cleaning down the drain.

Can anyone give us advice on what to do? Scrap the boat and sell it?

How much would a new mast cost? Can you even find one for such an old boat?

We are in a small mountain town in Colorado and there is not a sailboat repair place down the street.

Hope someone can help us salvage all our hard work.

Thanks!

 

[Benny17441]

Don't despair masts can be repaired. Find a welding shop in town or an ingenious welder willing to travel and tackle a small project on a long spar. A picture of the fracture would give a better idea of the repair needed, it could show whether a sleeve or a mast section is needed. Brand spanking new masts are produced every day but their cost plus shipping and tax could be spared with a repair.

 

[flynhi4u]

Take a deep breath. All hope is not lost. You might want to move this to the Hunter small boat forum. Crazy Dave might have a lead for you, and someone else might have a lead as well. You might have to adapt a mast from another boat but don't trash your boat just yet.

Sam

 

[Flakeypuff]

Here is a picture of the damage. Trying to breath and think it out. Not sure about welding yet.

 

[rgranger]

I don't know if this is your case or not but on many boats, when the main is fully raised, there remains a few inches of space between the head of the sail and the top of the mast. If that is your case you might be able cut off the damaged part of your mast and re-attach the mast step. Then split the difference with your main by raising your main all the way to the top of the mast. You might also have to lower your boom a few inches but it might be a livable situation.

 

[whatfiero]

A good mig welder can fix that maybe tig some reinforcement to it but its fixable look up your local aluminum Welder and call him put mast on truck and head over to his shop give a'day and your sailn

 

[Benny17441]

Here is a picture of the damage. Trying to breath and think it out. Not sure about welding yet.

A fixed mast is like a healed broken bone, it could break again but not likely at the same place. I would hate to have to shorten the shrouds and perhaps relocate the goose neck fitting especially if you have a bimini top. A good welder could fix and reinforce that section. Does not seem like a big job.