I am replacing my mast on my H26. The old one was an Isomat and the new one is from US Spars. Anyway, I have to change the mast plate -- and as I understand it I will need to drill and tap for the new plate. Sounds simple enough. Has anyone done this? Any words of advice? Thanks much, Michael
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Clayton
Be careful with the tap...
Michael, I replaced my aluminum mast step plate with a new stainless one I had made last year. One thing to watch out for, it is critical not to try and cut too many threads at once with the tap. I ended up breaking off a tap because I tried to cut too much at once. I was able to extract the broken tap without any damage, but that is another story. The moral to my story is, use cutting oil (I used 10W30) and only rotate the tap maybe 3/4 to one turn at a time. If you feel any more than slight resistance, back the tap out and clean it and then thread it back in. It takes some time but it is worth it. Good Luck, Clayton s/v Walkabout
Michael, I replaced my aluminum mast step plate with a new stainless one I had made last year. One thing to watch out for, it is critical not to try and cut too many threads at once with the tap. I ended up breaking off a tap because I tried to cut too much at once. I was able to extract the broken tap without any damage, but that is another story. The moral to my story is, use cutting oil (I used 10W30) and only rotate the tap maybe 3/4 to one turn at a time. If you feel any more than slight resistance, back the tap out and clean it and then thread it back in. It takes some time but it is worth it. Good Luck, Clayton s/v Walkabout
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Michael
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Michael
Thanks, but
Thanks but I have already bought mine -- already sitting on my boat up in Gainesville. Oh well. Michael
Thanks but I have already bought mine -- already sitting on my boat up in Gainesville. Oh well. Michael
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Phil Ward
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Tom Wootton
Gainesville
Didn't know there were other H26 owners in Gainesville. Where do you sail? I keep mine in Yankeetown.
Didn't know there were other H26 owners in Gainesville. Where do you sail? I keep mine in Yankeetown.
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Michael
DeLand actually
I am actually down in DeLand -- about 90 minutes from Gainesville. The boat is in Gainesville now because it is at US Spars. Actually, I guess that's Alachua as opposed to Gainesville. I sail mostly in the lakes around Central Florida. How is the sailing over at Yankeetown? How long does it take you to get over there? Michael
I am actually down in DeLand -- about 90 minutes from Gainesville. The boat is in Gainesville now because it is at US Spars. Actually, I guess that's Alachua as opposed to Gainesville. I sail mostly in the lakes around Central Florida. How is the sailing over at Yankeetown? How long does it take you to get over there? Michael
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Tom Wootton
Yankeetown
Takes about an hour to drive to the marina, then 4 miles of river and 2-3 miles of gulf channel before the surrounding water is consistently deep enough for full centerboard. But the river itself is great, plenty deep and beautiful. When the wind is right we make sail in the river and the channel. Otherwise we motor in and out. Are you dealing with Julian? He helped me out awhile back with a damaged spreader--lots of free (and good) advice.
Takes about an hour to drive to the marina, then 4 miles of river and 2-3 miles of gulf channel before the surrounding water is consistently deep enough for full centerboard. But the river itself is great, plenty deep and beautiful. When the wind is right we make sail in the river and the channel. Otherwise we motor in and out. Are you dealing with Julian? He helped me out awhile back with a damaged spreader--lots of free (and good) advice.
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Nils Anderson
FYI - Phil Ward
Hi Phil I am working on the design details of an in-mast furling system. I will also need a new sail. They both are like new (2002 model - always garaged) and thought I might reduce the cost by selling parts I won't need. However, I won't be done until late summer or fall. If there is no used market for the mast, I will use the parts off it. Nils Anderson
Hi Phil I am working on the design details of an in-mast furling system. I will also need a new sail. They both are like new (2002 model - always garaged) and thought I might reduce the cost by selling parts I won't need. However, I won't be done until late summer or fall. If there is no used market for the mast, I will use the parts off it. Nils Anderson
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Michael
Sounds nice
Sounds nice sailing over there -- I might try it some day. Farther for me, of course. Yes, I have been working with Julian. He has been great -- good prices and, as you say, good advice. Michael
Sounds nice sailing over there -- I might try it some day. Farther for me, of course. Yes, I have been working with Julian. He has been great -- good prices and, as you say, good advice. Michael
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Frank Ladd
In mast furling on a 260?
That sounds pretty darn neat. I'd be interested in how much it costs and how well it works. Please keep us posted.
That sounds pretty darn neat. I'd be interested in how much it costs and how well it works. Please keep us posted.
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crazy dave
In mast furling for trailerables--bull malarky
When changing to a differnet mast, do not forget that you will need to change your rigging as well. You may need new standing rigging. As for in mast furling masts for the 26 or 260, I say bull to it. Why, I tried and found too many damn problems with it. First the cost was out of line. Secondly, the extrusion on the back of the mast will not allow you to lower it onto the mast carrier without damage. Third, the wieght is too much to stand the mast raising using the mast raise system. Fourth, you will loose sail area and thus performance. The mast supplied with the boats are designed to have prebend and with in mast furling, you do not dare to have a spec of prebend or you will never get the sail out. Any of you want to move forward, God love ya. But for me, do not ask me as I lost over $4,000 on that crap. Been there and done it. My oh My. Crazy Dave Condon
When changing to a differnet mast, do not forget that you will need to change your rigging as well. You may need new standing rigging. As for in mast furling masts for the 26 or 260, I say bull to it. Why, I tried and found too many damn problems with it. First the cost was out of line. Secondly, the extrusion on the back of the mast will not allow you to lower it onto the mast carrier without damage. Third, the wieght is too much to stand the mast raising using the mast raise system. Fourth, you will loose sail area and thus performance. The mast supplied with the boats are designed to have prebend and with in mast furling, you do not dare to have a spec of prebend or you will never get the sail out. Any of you want to move forward, God love ya. But for me, do not ask me as I lost over $4,000 on that crap. Been there and done it. My oh My. Crazy Dave Condon
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Michael
Another mast plate question
Not to lose the interesting discussion on in-mast furling -- But does anyone know how long the machine screws need to be for the mast plate? I know that they need to be 5/16, but not sure about the length. Michael
Not to lose the interesting discussion on in-mast furling -- But does anyone know how long the machine screws need to be for the mast plate? I know that they need to be 5/16, but not sure about the length. Michael
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Rick Webb
I Think They are About 1
I remember they were a bitch to get out. I ended up dilling the heads off and was able to use vicegrips to untwist the rest. They may have been an inch and a quarter but no longer than that I am pretty sure. What about boom furling on these?
I remember they were a bitch to get out. I ended up dilling the heads off and was able to use vicegrips to untwist the rest. They may have been an inch and a quarter but no longer than that I am pretty sure. What about boom furling on these?
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Michael
Rick?
Was the new plate from US Spars? If so, do you remember what kind of fastener you used? I'm thinking machine screw, but can't seem to find one big enough (5/16) without a big hex head. ?? Michael
Was the new plate from US Spars? If so, do you remember what kind of fastener you used? I'm thinking machine screw, but can't seem to find one big enough (5/16) without a big hex head. ?? Michael
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Rick Webb
Mike,
My boat is a 23.5 but I doubt there is a huge difference in how the mast is attached. My mast says Z Spar which I understand is now US Spar. I did not have any trouble finding the macine screws I bought them at a industrial fastner shop in Gulport Mississippi. I would imagine any good harware store would carru them they are not that big a screw. I was hoping to find ones with a hex instead of a phillips head to be able to get them out if I ever need to again but could not find them anywhere.
My boat is a 23.5 but I doubt there is a huge difference in how the mast is attached. My mast says Z Spar which I understand is now US Spar. I did not have any trouble finding the macine screws I bought them at a industrial fastner shop in Gulport Mississippi. I would imagine any good harware store would carru them they are not that big a screw. I was hoping to find ones with a hex instead of a phillips head to be able to get them out if I ever need to again but could not find them anywhere.
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