Mast crack hunter 23

[doctrwhy85]

Hello! I recently acquired a Hunter 23, and I was taking things apart to do some maintenance, and noticed that the base of the mast had a crack in it.

I removed the old mast base, to look at it. It is not where any of the rivets are for the foot, however, it is just to the aft side of the mast. What does the group think? Is this safe to use, or am I better off seeing if I can get an extrusion made or a new mast altogether?

Also, apparently my phone pictures are too large, so I have attached a dropbox link.

thanks!

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Matt
INW

 

[CrispyCringle]

Thats a tough one. It looks to me like the piece broke out from a stress fracture. Id be willing to bet that the base of the mast didnt fit tight and square to the base.

Can you sail it? Sure, but it is compromised. By how much? Thats the question. A new/used mast would be the best option. But thats expensive and possibly difficult given the boats age. You may be able to get a small patch welded. But Im not a aluminum welder expert.

Personally, it would make me paranoid to sail with it like that. You cant control unexpected gusts.

If you do try to repair it, make sure the mast fits perfectly square and tightly "bottomed out" on the mast foot. Its soft metal and shapes easily with a file. The forces of the mast a primarily in compression, so it needs to have a good seat on the mast foot to prevent what has already happened.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I'm no fabricator or rigger but I believe a skilled fabricator could fix this and overbuild it a bit

 

[doctrwhy85]

Thank you for the replies! I will post what I am able to do locally/find a mast if unable

Matt

 

[rgranger]

There is a sleeve that fits over this mast that is used to house the spreaders. I’ve attached a picture of one that I purchased right here at the SBO store. Slip this over the bottom, cut off the ears and rivet it in place and you will have your overbuilt mass base repaired

 

[Shacklepin]

Odd damage. I agree that a good fabricator can make that like new. A half fast fabricator can fix it but it may not be pretty. Remember the majority of the mast loads are straight down, very little from the side. Honestly a stainless hose clamp around the butt of the mast would give it lots of reinforcement and peice of mind. There is a mast and boom for a Hunter 23 on Facebook marketplace I think in Ohio??? If that is gone I know where there is another.
Goid sailing
Dale