Q: How to calculate or determine mast weight?

[Bob]

Specifically does anyone know how to calculate mast weight ?(It seems I had this same question in physics class, and is commonly used to determine weights of large objects like trailer trucks, by weighing one end, knowing the overall length and applying math formula. Occasionally, I will see State Troopers out with their portable scale, stopping trucks and weighing them with their portable scale.)I've already checked the the boat specific websites for the weight and also "Machinery's Handbook" for the formula itself, both to no avail. *oThe overall "problem" is simple enough. I want to move my mast, already down but on top of my boat, from there to the ground and store on sawhorses for the winter. The boat is on jack stands in my driveway, which puts the mast about 10 feet above ground. I am sure taking it down to the ground level will be a lot less of a challenge than putting it back up next spring for the return trip to the marina.Then I can do any work and inspection better, and the winter cover will also fit better with nothing poking out on the ends. [ Give me more room to move around on the topside as well, without worrying about stepping on shrouds or banging my head on the darn mast.]*cryThanks,Bob

 

[Richard]

Mast section

Bob,If you have the measurements for the cross section of the mast you could call a mast company or go to the attached website to see what your section wieghs per foot. You can do the same with the shrouds. This should at least get you close.

 

[David11054]

What boat/year have you got?

I can move the mast on our '77 h27 one end at a time to get it on and off sawhorses.Let us know what you are dealing with, and we can give specific help.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Mike]

What size boat?

I am eager to learn the formula too! In the meantime, how big is your boat, and how long the mast? Did you try to pick it up? I only have first hand experience with C22s and smaller. Unless your boat is something like a 35 footer or so,I'm sure that with one or two helpers, you can lift and carry your mast a short distance.

 

[Big Windy]

Weight

Call the boat manufacturer, they'll be able to tell you.

 

[Bill Roosa]

The math formula for mast weight

There are several ways to do it.1. If you have a block and tackle and a spring tension gage (fish weight gage) you can just hoist the mast on the tackle and measure the tension in the rope. The weight is the tension times the mechanical advantage of the tackle. To get the mechinacal advantage just count the number of "ropes" in the tackle but do not include the one you are pulling on to hoist. A 5 to 1 tackle (mech advantage of 5) would have 5 ropes running between the blocks. The weight you get will be greater than the actual weight due to friction in the tackle. "The book" says take 10% off for "well running blocks". If you dont have a spring scale you can use a bucket and add weight till it balances and then just weigh the bucket.2. If you have a scale that can weigh approx half of the mast you can just use the following:W=scale reading times (1 + Y/X)Y is the distances from where you measured the weight to the balance point.x is the distance from the other end support to the balance point. The balance point is that point along the mast where you could lift it with one support. It is important to get the distances right. You do not care how long the mast is just the distances from where it is supported.3. For those of us that don't have really big tackles or heavy duty scales you can use the combined approch. Partially lift the mast with a tackle so that there is only two supports, the tackle and one other one. Use method 1 to determine the weight of that end and then use method 2 to determine the total weight.EnjoyBill

 

[mjb]

selden mast weight

On the Selden web site, the have a pdf manual that list the weight and other specs on page 13 for every mast section. http://www.seldenmast.com/catalogue_pdf.cfm?chapter=2&subchapter=2&page=1&download=1Even if you don't have a Selden mast, you could measure your mast and then find the corresponding Selden mast in the table and use that weight (given in kg/m to calculate your mast.

 

[Jung]

Try this:

suppost your mast at both end(position of support isn't important). Use bath room scale and insert it between support and mast you get one measurement, Bring scale to other end to get another measurement. Add two together is you mast's weight.

 

[John]

C30 TR

is around 350LB with all riging and RF and lines I take it home every year and putit on horses next to the house I used two bath scales one on each side.Its 42'I ve put it on the truck my self but I was spunky .with two guys its not a problem. John

 

[Big Windy]

Mast Weight

John, that sounds a bit heavy, my C320's mast weighs 153 pounds (stripped of all other equipment) and is 42' long. My figures came from the factory.