Getting ready to raise the mast and discovered this crack in an area supporting the mast raising pole. It looks like the previous owner had some welding work done to repair it and might have added a sleave over the hole for extra support. Since I only raise and lower at the beginning and ending of the summer, my idea is to place two pipe clamps over the crack and then deal with a more permanent fix next fall. Welcome any thoughts or comments. Thanks Tim
Mast Raising Hole Issue
- Thread starter Tim Moylan
- Start date
Getting ready to raise the mast and discovered this crack in an area supporting the mast raising pole. It looks like the previous owner had some welding work done to repair it and might have added a sleave over the hole for extra support. Since I only raise and lower at the beginning and ending of the summer, my idea is to place two pipe clamps over the crack and then deal with a more permanent fix next fall. Welcome any thoughts or comments. Thanks Tim
Tim,
The damage was done in the first place by not positioning the gin pole properly; there should only be a force in pole direction to where the pole touches the back inside of the mast; no component to the periphery of the hole at all.
The purpose of the gin pole is to have leverage needed for lowering or raising the mast. The line from the mast top to the gin pole has to be properly adjusted and fixed to take the load so that the gin pole stays in the center of the hole while the purchase on the other end winches.
The sleeve is stock as much as I can say, to compensate for the weakening on the mast by the hole. My concern regarding the crack would be more if it could cause a stability risk when under sail.
Hart
The damage was done in the first place by not positioning the gin pole properly; there should only be a force in pole direction to where the pole touches the back inside of the mast; no component to the periphery of the hole at all.
The purpose of the gin pole is to have leverage needed for lowering or raising the mast. The line from the mast top to the gin pole has to be properly adjusted and fixed to take the load so that the gin pole stays in the center of the hole while the purchase on the other end winches.
The sleeve is stock as much as I can say, to compensate for the weakening on the mast by the hole. My concern regarding the crack would be more if it could cause a stability risk when under sail.
Hart
Hart,
Thanks for the reply. The gin pole got fouled up on a windy day as I was dropping the mast, which caused the current problem. I have removed the support sleave and am having US Spars ship inner and outer support plates to strengthen the mast. They have used the same solutions on other 240/260's with great success. Good sailing!
Thanks for the reply. The gin pole got fouled up on a windy day as I was dropping the mast, which caused the current problem. I have removed the support sleave and am having US Spars ship inner and outer support plates to strengthen the mast. They have used the same solutions on other 240/260's with great success. Good sailing!
Tim; Let me know how it is going. Home from the hospital now so in better shape but it was a close call for me.
I have the same issue on my 2007 25' Hunter. Launched from the ramp for years before i got a mooring. The hole split upwards towards the top of the mast when lowering it one day. I have to get that repaired....... I have not raised or lowered since, but i have raised without the Gin pole before......attach main halyard ( job also if sail not on foil.) to the bow, crank it up with one halyard on each winch.... would love to see someone's permanent repair here.....
Update - just finished installing the inner and outer support sleaves on the mast. Here are three pictures: 1 - shows the outer sleave with holes drilled plus the inner sleave (holes to be drilled once the mast base is set); 2 - rivets placed to make sure all is correct; 3- rivets set (there are four rivets for the outer to mast base, six rivets connecting the outer to mast to inner sleave). Gin pole hole lined up correctly thru three layers. Solid repair for the cracked mast. Raising the mast tomorrow!
Congrats! Great solution for the future me. How did you locate the rivet holes for the casting? EDIT: Are the rivets SS or Al? Thanks!
This is very interesting. I have a 1997 Catalina 22 MK II that has a similar issue, was there when I purchased it. The marina staff drilled a small hole at the end of the split to control further damage (see pic). This appears to have worked so far, but would be nice to to a better fix.
Attachments
Catalanc;
Did the MK II come with the mast raise kit for your boat? The hole in the bottom of the mast would suggest that. I use to be a Catalina dealer as well and sold quite a few plus I took them to the Annapolis Boat Shows.
I enhanced the photo and it appears the crack is spreading above that hole on the left. Whoever thought of drilling a hole into the mast was incorrect on advice to you. For many years, Catalina had their masts extruded themselves but not sure exactly who did it. Unless your mast is Z Spar or U.S. Spars (Selden?), there probably no fix for that paticurlar mast as you would have to have an internal piece that fits exactly inside for any fix. Some will tell you to have it welded but never was a fan of that as I had seen so many welds break mostly when under load like raising and lowering the mast. That needs to be addressed with the crack spreading.
First can you tell me who extruded that mast of yours.
Did the MK II come with the mast raise kit for your boat? The hole in the bottom of the mast would suggest that. I use to be a Catalina dealer as well and sold quite a few plus I took them to the Annapolis Boat Shows.
I enhanced the photo and it appears the crack is spreading above that hole on the left. Whoever thought of drilling a hole into the mast was incorrect on advice to you. For many years, Catalina had their masts extruded themselves but not sure exactly who did it. Unless your mast is Z Spar or U.S. Spars (Selden?), there probably no fix for that paticurlar mast as you would have to have an internal piece that fits exactly inside for any fix. Some will tell you to have it welded but never was a fan of that as I had seen so many welds break mostly when under load like raising and lowering the mast. That needs to be addressed with the crack spreading.
First can you tell me who extruded that mast of yours.
Hello,
The inner sleave sits above the mast base and not riveted to it. The outer sleave is riveted to the bast base, thru the original holes in the damaged mast ( slid the outer sleave over those holes and marked them from inside and drilled small pilot holes, then drilled the correct diameter from the outside. The inner sleave is riveted thru the mast and the outer sleave in 3 places are each side; the outer sleave has two additional rivets for the mast base on each side. I think the rivets are stainless (they came with the sleaves from US Spars). I have raised the mast once since the repair and all is fine.
The inner sleave sits above the mast base and not riveted to it. The outer sleave is riveted to the bast base, thru the original holes in the damaged mast ( slid the outer sleave over those holes and marked them from inside and drilled small pilot holes, then drilled the correct diameter from the outside. The inner sleave is riveted thru the mast and the outer sleave in 3 places are each side; the outer sleave has two additional rivets for the mast base on each side. I think the rivets are stainless (they came with the sleaves from US Spars). I have raised the mast once since the repair and all is fine.
Great to find this article... if anyone can answer what size rivets are used in this... It would be greatly appreciated as I am replacing a few that have come loose over time... and also the wire size and make for the light going up the Mast...
I see it in the picture... I believe connected to the three prong connector
Thank you
Daryl
I see it in the picture... I believe connected to the three prong connector
Thank you
Daryl