Mast Corrosion

[Mirage85]

Hey, I have a Pearson 303, 1985 and have just had it hauled for the first time since purchasing it. I had a marine surveyor go thru it to make me aware of issues. The only really big problem noted was the electrolysis of the mast at the base. The mast is becoming pitted and corrosion is working on it. He suggested I have the mast taken off the boat, cut off the pitted portion and have a new 6-8 inch section welded on. He stated I would probably need to have a new plate prefabed since he did not think I could get one to replace it that attaches to the hull. In the meantime I am to scrub the area, dry it out and put some epoxy on it to slow down the corrosion.
1. Have you experienced anything like this with your boat and if so how or what have you done?
2. Do you know of a source for the mast plate?

 

[PaulM]

Mast Step

Congrad’s on your purchase. My 85, 303 had the same issue before I purchased it. A nice aluminum plate was fabricated and place on a 2" fiberglass block to make up the difference in what was cut off. When I got the boat it had been demasted (broken chainplate). Since I had the mast spliced back together I lost another 3" of mast. I used 2, 2" pvc blocks to make up the difference. I would not have a piece welded on. My understanding is that welding will weaken the surrounding aluminum. The other thing is that you will have a hard time finding the mast extrusion (Isomat NG-46, if it’s the same as mine). The nice thing about the blocks is that it gets the mast up out of the bilge water and you never have the problem again. May mast is attach to the keel using 4, 8” SS lag bolts through the plate into the keel. I can sent you some pictures if you like.

Paul
P303, #224

Hey, I have a Pearson 303, 1985 and have just had it hauled for the first time since purchasing it. I had a marine surveyor go thru it to make me aware of issues. The only really big problem noted was the electrolysis of the mast at the base. The mast is becoming pitted and corrosion is working on it. He suggested I have the mast taken off the boat, cut off the pitted portion and have a new 6-8 inch section welded on. He stated I would probably need to have a new plate prefabed since he did not think I could get one to replace it that attaches to the hull. In the meantime I am to scrub the area, dry it out and put some epoxy on it to slow down the corrosion.
1. Have you experienced anything like this with your boat and if so how or what have you done?
2. Do you know of a source for the mast plate?

 

[Mirage85]

Re: Mast Step

Yes, please send me some pictures of your repair. I have been able to stop the pitting for the time being as I had an electrician reground some of the wiring and I did use the epoxy but I know it will have to be done right soon.

 

[paulm1]

Mast Step

Sorry for the untimely response. Please send me your email address to paul@marrack.net and I'll send pictures.

Paul