My Pearson built Alberg 35 (hull number 260)was damaged in the November 2006 hurricane that swept through the northern Bahamas. After nearly a year of repairs there is only one item remaining. The plate on the mast that serves as the attachment point for the mast stays is bent by the wind force on the mast (135 mph winds). The plate appears to be stainless steel. I am concerned about removing the plate from the mast and attempting to reform it by heating it to restore the original configuration as there may be stress cracks that are not visible, or weakening the plate by heating it to reform the shape. As the stay attachment point takes considerable strain under load, I am concerned about compromising the integrity of the plate leading to a failure under load. I have not been able to loacate a source for a plate to replace the damaged unit. I think the stay attachment plate may have been common to various Pearson designs and one could be found on a damaged or replaced mast. In the worst case I could remove the mast from the vessel and have the undamaged plate used as a pattern to fabricate a new unit; but that would involve removing the mast from the vessel until the plate was manufactured and installed. Any suggestions or help you can give me would be appreciated. Jon Deily 1 Normanside Avenue Delmar, NY 12054 518-573-2710 (cell) jdeily@nycap.rr.com
