Mast base cracks

[oday 20 carver]

I have an O'day 25, new to me. Stepped the mast this weekend and noticed 2 cracks in the base of the mast. One about 2-1/2" long on the front of the mast and one 1" long on the side. These cracks are around the area of the plug for the mast step. I am considering having these welded and possibly adding some reinforcement on top of that.Has anyone had experience with this problem. I'm assuming it was caused when a previous owner stepped or un-stepped the mast.Greg

 

[oday 20 carver]

Picture of the crack

Here's a shot of what I'm dealing with.

 

[David11054]

Good old boat

Greg,There is an excellent article on just your problem in the current issue of "Good Old Boat."The author's solution was:Cut off enough of the mast to get rid of the crack.Build up the step to replace the lost length of mast (this preserves the standing rigging set-up, and boat sail design.)Remount the mast on the new step.You do have to do something. Any crack will only grow longer with time, and eventually fail.Good luck - do get that copy of Good Old Boat!DavidLady Lillie

 

[TT]

Freezing ??

Greg - Is it possible that water trapped in the mast base froze, expanding enough to cause those cracks ? Perhaps a previous owner left the mast rigged when the boat was hauled out one winter. You certailny should have some drainage holes, even if the mast is normally unstepped. I'd talk to someone who's experienced in aluminum welding & mast repair issues first, but your idea for the repair seems reasonable providing the welding doesn't cause the alloy to loose it's strength. Drilling a small hole at the very top of a crack is normally able to stop it from extending further.