How many holes is too many?

[mermike]

I'm looking at buying a 1982 47' monohull, which as you would expect has had a number of modifications over the years. It looks like the gooseneck attachment was replaced at some point, leaving a bit of Swiss cheese behind. How bad is it?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Keep in mind the holes through which that mast winch is bolted are far larger and under more stress than the gooseneck area. Having said that, only a structural engineer well versed in marine design might be capable of a dependable answer and even then , it would be no more than an educated guess.

 

[jssailem]

As suggested by @Don S/V ILLusion , I would seek information from a professional source.

Here on the West Coast, I like Ballenger Spar Systems in Watsonville CA.

Custom aluminum and Carbon Masts and Booms | Ballenger Spar Systems

Ballenger Spar Systems, Inc. has been producing the highest quality racing and cruising spars for thirty five years. We carry an extensive inventory of extrusion and spar parts for sailboats from eight to eighty feet.

www.ballengerspars.com

 

[capta]

I'd sail that mast as is, except I'd probably fill the holes. It's not like water can't easily come into the mast from aloft, but bees and unnecessary corrosion aren't needed. JB Weld or such.

 

[rgranger]

I'd sail that mast as is, except I'd probably fill the holes. It's not like water can't easily come into the mast from aloft, but bees and unnecessary corrosion aren't needed. JB Weld or such.

I was thinking along similar lines, but I’d probably install a rivet in the hole. The tension from the rivet pressing against the inner surface could help restore some of the mast’s structural integrity. If the mast begins to flex, the rivet should help distribute that stress more evenly across the hole.