Have you winterized your mast?

[dkrizek]

Roller furling masts have a large sail slot in them that serves as a conduit for water and debris to accumulate. If this water does not find an avenue to escape, it may accumulate, freeze and expand causing the mast to split at the base. (See attached photo). If you have a roller furling mast and are in a location that is subjected to freezing temperatures, I would advise you to incorporate an inspection of your mast's drainage into your winterization protocol. Please visit http://frozenmast.com for my experience.
Fair winds and following seas,
dennis

 

[Sock Puppet]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Captpete12]

Mast cracking from freezing

Roller furling masts have a large sail slot in them that serves as a conduit for water and debris to accumulate. If this water does not find an avenue to escape, it may accumulate, freeze and expand causing the mast to split at the base. (See attached photo). If you have a roller furling mast and are in a location that is subjected to freezing temperatures, I would advise you to incorporate an inspection of your mast's drainage into your winterization protocol. Please visit http://frozenmast.com for my experience.
Fair winds and following seas,
dennis

I wonder how frequently this occurs? I have a 40' Beneteau with roller furling and she is on the hard during the winter (below freezing). Is it possible to drill two drain holes about 1" above the mast step on port and starboards side?
Would like to get more feedback on this.

 

[Captpete12]

Called US Spars and they confirmed the problem - they drill two holes; 1/4" fore and aft on the mast 60mm above the mounting plate. I would recommend anyone with a rolling furling mast consider doing this - cheap insurance!! Thank you Dennis for the information.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

But a false sense of security if left at that ... as I found out with an engine block many years ago, drain holes will clog and when you think the water has been evacuated, it might not be.