Crack in mast

[Don1559]

I'm looking at purchasing a used O'Day 22. It needs some TLC but I don't mind that. I confident that I can look after the fibreglass work but I'm concerned about the mast. Looking at the area around the spreaders there is a row of rivets extending up and down both sides. I assume this is how the spreaders are mounted. (Right?) The leading edge of the mast appears to have either a seam or crack at the spreaders. Is this something to be concerned about or is this mast constructed in two sections?I did some sailing years ago and would like to get into it again. I dson't mind taking on a boat that needs some work but don't want to get in over my head.Cheers,Don

 

[ed21]

never saw a 2 piece mast

I've never seen an alum. mast made in 2 pieces. If it extends the length of the mast it may just be the extrusion shape, but your description doesn't sound like it.The rivets holes are probably for what you said & possibly for shroud attachment.If the spreaders are missing I would expect some past problem.If you can get a rigger to look at it they should know. Replacing the mast isn't out of the question either if the price is right for the boat & you don't mind the effort.

 

[Brad Arrington]

One piece

The 22 is a great boat for learning (or re-learning). Safe, stable, lots o' built in flotation. My mast is a one-piece aluminum extrusion. No seams there. And I'm not too sure about "the row of rivets extending up and down both sides". On my mast, the spreader brackets are attached with a rivets through the round base of the brackets. The rivets form a ring shape, not an up-down pattern. There are some variations between years (mine is an 1978), but it sounds to me like somebody did some repair work on the stick. That crack in the front of the mast would concern me unless it was inspected and (if needed) properly repaired. Without a repair such a crack will only get bigger, and worse. The spreader area is definately a high-load spot. I can't say what a proper repair is though. I would be very cautious about this boat. Maybe you want to call Rudy at DR Marine and ask him. He used to work for the now-defunct O'Day, bought and now sells all the old parts, and has a wealth of knowledge on all things O'Day. And call, don't email.Brad