Can this mast be repaired?

[jim o23111]

A rotten pine fell in our backyard landing on the Hunter 170 mast, which was stored for the winter. An 8" or so length of the luff groove has been crimped. Pictures are at the web link, among the hundreds of shotes of our first grandchild. Could anyone offer thoughts on what can be done and who might best be able to do it.Even though we bought this last September and were able to get in just one sail before laying it up for the winter, we don't take this as an omen--however suspicious it might seem.Thanks,

 

[Steve O.]

insurance?

Could be covered under your homeowners insurance

 

[Doug L]

If not insurance...

It is hard to tell from the photo if there is damage to the mast beyond the luff grove being pinched shut. If there is damage to more than the groove, the mast probably should be replaced. Any damage weakens the mast at the point of the bend, and the best answer would be replacement.Now, back to reality.If I had a 17' day sailor and the only problem was a crimp in the luff grove, and it was up to me to pay for repairs, I would use a VERY large screwdriver, with all the sharp edges ground to a radius, to open up the luff groove to the correct size. If you open it up too far use a small hammer to close it back up.Take a file to the groove to remove any burrs that have been created by opening it up with the big screwdriver. Try running the sail up & down several times in the back yard before putting it up on the water.

 

[rad]

mast fix

Sure it can. I once bent a mast over to a 90 degree angle. Very bad but funny story. My buddy and I straightened it out using our own sterngth and a dinghy rack for leverage and a block of wood in the track to maintain the slot. Worked like a charm. Would not have believed it if it did'nt happen to me. It was a 17' ODay daysailer.  Just be careful not to nick the inside of the track. These mast are very strong.Story upon request.

 

[Ranger Paul]

H170 Mast Repair

There was an informative article about replacing masts in the winter 2005-6 issue of BoatWorks my wife picked up a the grocery store this week. I can send you my copy if you are interested and can't find it in the store. Frankly, I would be a little nervous about repairing the mast. I have an H216 and the mast is like a big noodle sticking up there compared to the mast on my old Geary 18. I think the mast on the Geary is way over strong while the mast on the H216 matches the boat but does not have a lot of extra strength.