screwing things into the mast?

[Mike Elmore]

As a new boat owner, I have several project I'd like to tackle on Windward Hull (1990 C28) this spring.Lazy Jacks are one. I'd like to do them myself, but am a little bit weary of drilling into the mast and screwing blocks in without a little thought.There is obviously conduit running wires to the mastlights and wind instruments going up the mast as well as the 4 runs for the mast internal halyards and topping lift.Surely just drilling holes and popping screws in the mast will either split a wire or chafe a halyard to the breaking point.What's the rule of thumb on drilling and placing screws in the mast? I don't want to damage anything hard to get to inside there.Thanks for all the good advice!Mike ElmoreChicago, ILWindward Hull-C29 Hull #7

 

[Bob Camarena]

Some Tips

I don't have internal halyards, so I can't help you on that. Chafe is probably the bigger risk compared to the minimal risk of drilling holes. In most cases, the line or wire would simply move aside from the drill. One thing you can do to minimize the risk of chafe is to use properly sized SS machine screws set into tapped holes instead of sheet metal screws (which would be sharp and protrude more into the interior of the mast). There is no need for the machine screws to be any longer than is necessary to thread into the mast. For light loads, Pop Rivets also will work. Be sure to use silicon or a proper thread lock compound to minimize corrosion between stainless steel screws and the aluminum mast.

 

[Bud Kennedy]

Screwing your mast

First determine the thickness of your mast.Bottom out drill bit in drill chick and tighten jaws.Cut a piece of rubber hose equal in length to the exposed length of the drill bit less the thickness of the mast wall.Place the hose section over the bit.Drill away, the hose will prevent the bit from going farther than required.

 

[Robert Fischer]

recommendations

The Lazy Jacks have very light loads, so go with the rivets, they leave minimal sharp edges inside the mast. My mast has a conduit runnung up the forward port side (internally). Look for rivets every few feet going up the mast, wich hold the conduit sections.