Adding cleat to selden mast

[PKFK]

I would like to add a cleat to the mast on my H36 (selden mast with in mast furling).

There is a spare halyard that I want to cleat off at the mast - but I am not sure how to fasten a horn cleat to this mast.

Do I just drill a couple holes and screw the cleat on? What are the gotchas ?

Nothing is ever straightforward on a sailboat, and I certainly don't want to screw up a $20K mast !

Any advise would be appreciated !

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Mulf]

You need to look at a schematic of the inside profile of your mast. The schematic should have come with your boat. If not, try here: http://www.seldenmast.com/en/products/masts/furling_masts.html
You don't want to drill into a wire chase or the inner chamber that holds the furled sail. You will need to drill and tap the holes and use appropriate size and length machine screws.

 

[Chief RA]

If I were doing this I would definitely want to know the interior configuration as Mulf is guiding you. To attach through the mast I would use stainless steel pop rivets for a smooth inside mast surface as screw ends can be deadly inside there. Chief

 

[Bob 04 H260]

Paul, on my Selden mast the cleats are held on with bolts. The holes were drilled and tapped, bolts only penetrated the mast about 1/4". There is a wire chase running down each side of the mast. I think on our mast they are all on the port side of the mast and the cleat is on the starboard side for spin halyard.
regards, Bob

 

[PKFK]

Thanks guys for the comments. I think I will proceed very slowly with this based on your inputs.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

Paul, have a look at Charles H36 at Nepean, he has the cleats installed on his boat. I was walking the docks last night and noticed them.
Bob

 

[PKFK]

Thanks Bob. I will send you a PM to follow up.

Paul

 

[HernandoBeacher]

If you purchase a cleat from Selden, they come with self-tapping screws. I also installed two rope clutches on the mast directly below the halyard exits using coarse thread screws after checking with Selden.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Hernando, Self tapping screws are quite sharp on the ends and will cut up anything if they protrude further into the mast than the thickness of the mast wall. A tapped (threaded) hole with a machine screw or rivets would be better.
Ray