Mast storage advice

[BobM]

I am having my mast dropped next week so I can fix the deck core under it and perhaps even shim under the compression post. How best to store it on the hard? They used to put them on the roof of their building but don't anymore. Seems like most people just use a few sawhorses, but I thought I'd ask. The mast is black anodized aluminium.

 

[py26129]

The sawhorses should work fine. I'd use at least three for good support. If you have a roller furler, make sure the extrusion is tied to the mast for support

Cheers

Matt

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Please don't say "drop" brings up bad connotations. lowered is far better

and yes, a couple of saw horses will do fine

Here's my wooden mast

 

[dlochner]

Saw horses work. Remove the spreaders and tie every thing up to the mast so the lines and shrouds don't end up in the dirt. Cover the bottom of the mast with a plastic bag or bucket to keep the birds and critters out. Remove any masthead items, windex, VHF antenna etc.

 

[dziedzicmj]

If you have a roller furler, make sure the extrusion is tied to the mast for support

you may also want to use some extension, so that the furler's drum is properly supported (and does not droop). I use a length of 2x3.

 

[DougM]

I would suggest disconnecting the forestay at the masthead to avoid kinking it as you lash the furler to the mast, just a precautionary step.

 

[BobM]

Thanks everyone. I had a rigger look at the boat a few years ago. They wanted to replace every shroud, which was fine as they were all original at the time (marina wound a double kink into my backstay so I ended up just replacing it) and insisted I needed a new furler too. The Hood Seafurl works fine and I hope to just fish a new fore stay up it before I put the mast back up. Spending thousands when I will just lose it when I sell seems ridiculous.

 

[Dennis Kitchen]

If the mast will be stored outdoors through the winter may I recommend that you roll it so the mast track slot side is up and the ends are not level. This will allow any rain to flow out and not freeze and crack mast. Yeah, you know how I found this out.
Dennis

 

[dziedzicmj]

if you are planning to store the mast over winter, make sure that the spreaders are hanging open end down (so they cannot collect water).