Mast Collapse

[justsomeguy]

Don't know if it matters to you, but this may be a good opportunity to buy the updated mast step from Blue Water Yachts that will allow the use of a mast raising system. They aren't terribly expensive, and you're going to be into it anyway.

Well, it'll certainly allow you to use their mast raising system.

 

[Sock Puppet]

Well, it'll certainly allow you to use their mast raising system.

Indeed!

Didn't mean to make it sound like it was the only option, but the OP decides to replace it, the BWY might be an option.

 

[Tsatzsue]

Just for the record the aluminum was 1/4" flat stock not an aluminum sign. Had I known I would have put a tabernacle below to accommodate the block that I will need to run the lines aft.

I do have spongy decks in places and dread the repair. I would like to see those pics.

 

[Tsatzsue]

The plate is on the inside of the boat. The tabernacle bolts from the deck run through it sandwiching the deck. I misread the post. I plan to put a base on the mast so that it can hinge along with a block mounting plate underneath. What's another project!!!!

Had some scary fun getting out of Westport this weekend. Rip current warnings and a waning small craft warning. Got spun around trying to get out. .5 mi of rip to get to the calmer open ocean. The wind was from the SE and the current was full flow out. Made for a nasty exit. Made it the second time after waiting a couple hours. Made me thank full that I had a 9.9 and not a smaller engine!!

 

[justsomeguy]

Just for the record the aluminum was 1/4" flat stock not an aluminum sign. Had I known I would have put a tabernacle below to accommodate the block that I will need to run the lines aft.

I do have spongy decks in places and dread the repair. I would like to see those pics.

Which pics do you mean? The ones of my repair?

 

[Tsatzsue]

Yes. I too have some spongy deck. It would be good to see what the repair is all about.

 

[justsomeguy]

Because there's a compression post under my repair, I didn't do any core replacement. Just removal, and then new glass, above and below.

25yearslater, however, has documented this type of repair. 35 pages worth!

http://forums.macgregor.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=123244

 

[Tsatzsue]

Thanks for the link. Looks like a big project. Did you put the top deck piece back on? Looks like you just gassed over.

 

[justsomeguy]

Thanks for the link. Looks like a big project. Did you put the top deck piece back on? Looks like you just gassed over.

That link is to another site member's repairs.

On my Mac, the area under the mast step is now solid fiberglass, no plywood coring.

 

[Tsatzsue]

Nice!!

 

[pacerpilot]

I've dropped a mast before-same thing happened. I'd keep the repair as small and unobtrusive as possible. Clean out the holes where the hardware pulled through, fill with fiberglass and re-drill the holes. Keep the repair to the holes only. Install an aluminum or stainless doubler under the step if needed to conceal any work. This will also strengthen the cabin roof at the step a little. Since the step sees only compression load which is transferred to the compression post, just make sure it's solid and you're fine. Sail on.