kink in mast

[Steve Cunning]

I have a 37 cutter, My mast has a small kink around the spreader bars, you can see it when you sight up the mast. I have a hard time to get the mast straight, I try under sail with a full load on it on one tack then another. There is a hook between the spreader and the top of the mast, maybe I am adjusting the shrouds and stays with the wrong tension and start adjusting with the wrong ones first.Questions... Should I be concerned with the kink? Safety... Is there a sequence when applying tension on the shrouds and stays? Should I install another spreader for support and if so where?Any response would be appreciatedThanks Steve Cunnings/v Southern Comfort

 

[Royce]

Get a rigger now and stop sailing

If the mast is "kinked or bent" in any way the strength of it is compromised. Best to have someone look at it.

 

[Daryl]

Insurance Claim time

See if they'll throw in new rigging when they replace the stick

 

[Sanders LaMont]

see a rigger

When I had my rig inspected this year, he told me I had a slight bend in the mast, visible if you stand at the base and look straight up the track. He made minor adjustments to the stays and shrouds, and told me it is safe and not to worry about it.The survey a year earlier did not make note of it and I have had no problems with the mast and/or rigging.Go figure.I do not know what this means, just sharing the experience.Sanders

 

[Sam Lust]

Is it a kink or bend?

It can't be both. ( I'd love to know how the insurance company gets called in before anyone knows what the problem is! Maybe that's why our premiums are so high?Loosen all the rigging. Yes, all! I didn't say remove, I said loosen it so the mast will revert to it's own shape. If you still see a "kink" looking straight up the mast it's time to have it repaired, resectioned or at worst replaced, although this is unlikely.A slight curve can easily be pulled out with proper tuning. Sometimes it will show a slight curve while standing unsupported. Just re-tune it and see what it does.