mast upgrades to do

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,143
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
advice on what maintenance and upgrades to do while the mast is down...?
Rob
with the mast down it is time to check everything for condition and serviceability.
  1. How long has it been since the rigging was replaced?
  2. Are the fittings on the mast sound?
  3. Do you want anything new or located in a different place on the mast?
  4. Do you have new electronics to add? i.e. radar, antenna for VHF or AIS, Coax replacement, fittings, Wind transducers...
  5. Running rigging, entrances and exits from mast. Should running rigging be run inside mast?
  6. Electrical - wiring, New LED's, New lights Steaming,Deck,Mast head Tri-Color, Anchor light, Strobe?
  7. New thru deck fittings for wiring?
  8. Mast Step?
These are just a few of the possibilities.
 
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Likes: BlueTequila
Mar 1, 2016
275
Oday 28 Tracy's Landing
3 related questions:
1. is this also a good time to consider lazy jacks? Or is that too hard to do while the mast is up? Mine is a loose footed, fully battened main si lazy jacks seem to make good sense. Thoughts?
2. While the mast is down, I'll replace the dead anchor light with an LED bulb (do I need to do the socket too?) and check for continuity of the wires that feed it and I'll see if I can tell if the wires should be replaced, or should I just go ahead and replace them since it is a 1984 boat?
3. Finally, to test the electronics do I need to pull the 12 volt battery from the boat and set it next to the dismounted mast that is on a storage rack?
 
Jan 12, 2016
272
Hunter 410 Ladysmith, BC
For upgrades I would consider adding a Tides Strong Track, and changing any mast lights you have to LED. At the least I would clean the mast track, and give it a really healthy spray with McLube Sail Kote. 1+ on Lazy jacks as well.

If you were going to add radar, replace wind instruments, halyards, etc, now's the time.