Mast broke off at deck light area

[Chris Bogle]

Was out sailing today in 15 mph wind & to my horror the mast broke in two at the mid way point. My question is could I have avoided that situation? All stays we're tight but not over tight. 2 how do I identify the manufacturer of the mast? Can the mast be replaced? All rigging & hardware is in serviceable condition. I have a 1976 Oday 22. I think metal fatigue could have played a part. There was a fairly large hole for the anchor light at the breaking point. Also bolt holes for the T spreaders for the side guy cables were at the breaking point as well. I live in Ontario so a Canadian supplier would be good to know if anyone knows of one.

 

[bria46]

Kenyon?

 

[Sunbird22358]

Based on the age of your boat, I'd agree that KENYON was the original supplier. However, any Sparmaker should be able to replicate your old mast. DWYER Masts in Connecticut supplied a lot of O'DAY masts, I think they might have a Canadian Division? It might be worth giving D&R Marine a call to see if Rudy knows of a Canadian supplier, however...... last I heard Rudy was "out of commision" due to some kind of medical issue. Still worth a call?

It might also be worth checking with a Canadian Boatbuilder if any have a model around 19-23' range....see if they use a similar-size extrusion and could order a section for you.
In truth, there are a lot more companies that build spars than there are companies that extrude the spar blanks.......in other words, many spar makers use the same supplier of extrusions.

 

[Chris Bogle]

Finally I am back on the water thanks to Klacko Spars in Oakville Ontario. They had a mast section designed for a "Shark" that fit perfectly. Only had to replace one of the shrouds with kinked section. The other good news is that I had insured the boat when taking a slip at local marina this spring & the insurance paid for most of the $1600. cost. Klacko was of the opinion that the mast suffered from metal fatigue being 36 years old plus compression insert at spreader bracket was no longer doing its job due to wear of the metal caused by annual tightening of securing bolt. Was sailing in winds that were gusting to 25 knots likely put a bit too much strain on the old boat. Will be more careful in future & resort to motor power when thunder storms are threatening. It's good to be back on the water.

 

[Joe11688]

I'm glad that everything worked out OK for you Chris.

Smooth Sailing!
Joe

 

[Mad Dog]

Good to hear all's well that ended well, Chris.

But this brings up an important question for those of us that sail old boats. Is there a "useful life" for masts? Beyond the annual inspection of standing rigging, chainplates, tangs, etc., should I follow a recommended inspection process for the mast itself beyond a visual check for cracks and the like?

Matt

 

[Chris Bogle]

Thanks guys. To talk to Matt's point about inspections etc., the people at Klacko feel that there is a life expectancy for masts especially on smaller boats. Care needs to be taken especially around weak spots i.e. spreader area of masts where there may be other holes for deck light etc. they do also feel that the alloy today is much stronger & more flexible than 30+ years ago.