Cal 34 Mast unstepped in storm

[dgmacdougall]

My mast caught up with a J30. Broke his mast and my came down after back stay broke in a storm. Not sure if I need a new mast yet. My boat is a Cal34 and the mast has a large dent dent near the top and several smaller dents along its length. The mast itself does not appear to be bent. Does anyone know where I might get a replacement or advise on fixing old one?

Thanks
Gerald

 

[centerline]

anyone with any skills in aluminum welding and cutting should be able to repair the dents in the one you have....
if its still straight, the dents can have studs welded into them and a slight amount of heat applied and the dent pulled out, about the same way they do car fenders.... only more carefully. the small dents may be insignificant depending on actual size and where they are located.....
having aluminum or stainless work done is never cheap, but it will be many times cheaper than a new mast.

but if you want to go new, there are a few companies that make masts and booms that you could contact to get pricing from. an internet search should point you in the right direction to them.

 

[dgmacdougall]

anyone with any skills in aluminum welding and cutting should be able to repair the dents in the one you have....
if its still straight, the dents can have studs welded into them and a slight amount of heat applied and the dent pulled out, about the same way they do car fenders.... only more carefully. the small dents may be insignificant depending on actual size and where they are located.....
having aluminum or stainless work done is never cheap, but it will be many times cheaper than a new mast.

but if you want to go new, there are a few companies that make masts and booms that you could contact to get pricing from. an internet search should point you in the right direction to them.

My main concern is the large dent near the top. Worried about the integrity. the mast however is straight. Flip flopping a little on should I get it fixed or should I get another. Perhaps even a used one that can be modified to fit?The boat was insured and still working with the insurance company on this.