Mast corrosion?

[streamfisherman100]

My 1973 Albin Vega Alpha Lira is being slowly outfitting for a post
hurricane season sail to the Virgin Islands. I just bought the boat a
couple months ago and when climbing the mast today to look at the light
at the top, noticed the mast itself has some pitting/corrosion in the
Aluminum. The surveyor never mentioned anything and I didn't ask him
b/c I hadn't noticed it myself. I am currently in fresh water on Lake
Champlain where the boat has been for most of its life. Should I do
anything to the mast before I head into the salt water and should I be
concerned about the strength of the mast (even though the visible
corrosion is minimal: you could fill every hole with two or three
pieces of chewing gum.) Thanks in advance for the advice. --Richard

 

[albinvega1865]

Did you buy her at Bruce Hill by any chance?

streamfisherman100 streamfisherman100@... wrote: My 1973 Albin Vega Alpha Lira is being slowly outfitting for a post
hurricane season sail to the Virgin Islands. I just bought the boat a
couple months ago and when climbing the mast today to look at the light
at the top, noticed the mast itself has some pitting/corrosion in the
Aluminum. The surveyor never mentioned anything and I didn't ask him
b/c I hadn't noticed it myself. I am currently in fresh water on Lake
Champlain where the boat has been for most of its life. Should I do
anything to the mast before I head into the salt water and should I be
concerned about the strength of the mast (even though the visible
corrosion is minimal: you could fill every hole with two or three
pieces of chewing gum.) Thanks in advance for the advice. --Richard

 

[utupua4]

There are two Vegas on Montys Bay. (Lake Champlain)
Mine, "Frana" Vega1563 and a blue hulled Vega with an outboard motor
called "Annie" I was also wondering what happened to that Vega at
Bruce Hill's.

Warmest Regards
ASV Vega 1563 "Frana"

 

[streamfisherman100]

Yes, I bought the boat through Bruce Hill yacht sales from Bruce's son
Jeff Hill (The whole boat buying experience was superb by the way, Jeff
is great!) I am curious if anyone has experienced similar corrosion on
the mast. I think the gold finish on the mast is original. Is there
any way to refinish in a similar fashion before I head out to salty
territory. Someone on Sailnet said you can spray on an aluminum
paint. Any comments on that? Also, the sails on the boat are pretty
old and I lack a storm jib. Any ideas on buying sails inexpensively.
I was even contemplating buying used sails of similar dimensions and
keeping the old ones as spares. Thanks everyone. --Richard

 

[albinvega1865]

Hi Richard!

I just wrote a full page of information for you, and my computer timed me out! I would have to agree with you about Bruce Hill's, we had a great experience with them as well... though we didn't purchase the 35' Pearson as we shied away from impending maintenance fees. We then found our Vega and haven't regretted our decision!

In a nutshell: The Bristol group had this very discussion over this past week and I believe the subject was titled: aluminum etching-painting....or something like that!
There was some great information there!

I believe this is your link:
bristol@...

Good Luck!
Chris

streamfisherman100 streamfisherman100@... wrote: Yes, I bought the boat through Bruce Hill yacht sales from Bruce's son
Jeff Hill (The whole boat buying experience was superb by the way, Jeff
is great!) I am curious if anyone has experienced similar corrosion on
the mast. I think the gold finish on the mast is original. Is there
any way to refinish in a similar fashion before I head out to salty
territory. Someone on Sailnet said you can spray on an aluminum
paint. Any comments on that? Also, the sails on the boat are pretty
old and I lack a storm jib. Any ideas on buying sails inexpensively.
I was even contemplating buying used sails of similar dimensions and
keeping the old ones as spares. Thanks everyone. --Richard