Corked mast

[Ken]

When replacing the top mast cap on an older (1975) mast, two pieces of cork--one of which was split in two--came rolling out. Didn't know that production masts were corked. If so, is this to keep water out for floatation, or some other reason?? I've lost a couple of masts to the drink---never had one that floated.

 

[PaulK]

Turtling

Cork was probably to help keep boat from turning turtle if you capsized. Foam is used in a number of small boat masts for this now. (Cork is too expensive!)

 

[ken]

Paul

Thanks for the reply. It's a good thing they don't use cork anymore--the stuff in mine was pretty much disintegrated. Don't think it would do much good even if it were intact.What was left was pretty much waterlogged.

 

[patrick]

You could use some urethane foam

from Home Depot. They have it in cans for home use but it is great for adding some flotation. I put some in my folding davit parts so that if I ever drop them overboard again, they will float and I won't have to dive for them. Might be good for a spinnaker pole and the like too. It will strengthen a pole too. If you fill it up completely it is harder to bend.

 

[Ken]

Because it's a sealed mast---

all I might have to do is seal both ends with the foam & let the air trapped inside act as floatation. The mast is inherently strong, but wonder if I need to fill it completely for boyancy.