Critical Analysis Needed

[j.hunter9999]

Once again thinking about running some of the lines aft to the cockpit. Namely, the main and jib halyards, and the 4 reefing lines. Rather than a new mast base, a collar or a bail, all of which I believe would require some custom manufacture or mast removal to be steadfast, I'm thinking about drilling and tapping holes for 4 padeyes directly into the mast near the base, then attaching the blocks to those padeyes (1 double block on each side for the reefing lines, 1 single block on each side for the main and jib halyard respectively). The tapped holes should provide for a stronger attachment, and some Locktite should keep them from coming loose.

Why is this a bad idea? Am I wrong about my assumption that using a mast step, custom collar or bail would require either mast removal or custom design and manufacture?

Thanks,
Jack
Bella - V2620

 

[emmajen5]

Jack,

My only thought is that every hole you drill in the mast weakens it a
bit.

Garry
V. 2427

 

[dougpol1]

After drilling a hole of any size it is a good idea to take an aluminum
rod maybe 3/16 in dia. tear a little narrow strip of emery cloth and
slide it into the slot. With emery cloth around the rod and the other
end of the rod in an electric drill run it in the hole and polish th
hole out some. A hole that is highly polished has much greater
strength than one that is rough. I used this on wind tunnel models we
built were speeds approaching of 9000 miles per hour were involved. In
a polished surface there are no convenient places for cracks to start.
Do not use a steel rod if you are going to run it fast. The heaver steel
rod may well because of it's weight sling around and bend. That can be
dangerouse. Doug

 

[groundhogyh]

Others have successfully done this mod on
The vega. Just do an equal or better job.

 

[j.hunter9999]

gh - I got a nice morning chuckle from this reply.

Jack

 

[groundhogyh]

Thats pedal to the metal for my critical
thinking ability. Lol