Sheared mast base (newbie)

[Canonshooternb]

Hi folks
I am new to your forum and have been reading lots of great information. There is a 1986 Hunter 25.5 that I am looking at purchasing that has the bottom of the mast sheared off on one side of the pulleys. The other piece is there and could possibly be welded but the cost of welding seems very high. Has anybody had experience with this type of damage ? In this situation would it be recommended to cut the mast flush and notch a new inset ? This will shorten the mast by about 3" that I will also have to shorten the standing rigging.
This boat also has a furling jib and I do not know if they can be adjusted. I have sailed some but this is my first solo boat purchase. There are more boats in the sea but the rest of the condition is immaculate.
Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
I am not totally apposed to buying a new mast but have not been able to get a cost yet


Cheers

Paul

 

[Steve Dion]

Hi folks
I am new to your forum and have been reading lots of great information. There is a 1986 Hunter 25.5 that I am looking at purchasing that has the bottom of the mast sheared off on one side of the pulleys. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
I am not totally apposed to buying a new mast but have not been able to get a cost yet


Cheers

Paul

You asked for advice so I would say that you should look for one that has good mast & rigging. You can spend a lot of money on these small boats and the material/labor can easily exceed the cost of the vessels purchase.

We have a Hunter 25.5 for sale in our marina for $2000!

 

[Bill Roosa]

I'd be asking myself why the mast was sheered off. Check the chainplates and fore and aft stays at both ends for damage. Masts don't just sheer of for no reason. Something major has happened to this boat and until you find what that was I'd steer clear of it.

 

[Canonshooternb]

I know the owner and what had happened was that vandals messed with a few moored boats. This one they removed the forstay pin and over night the mast fell over.
Thanks for the info

PL

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I've seen repair work on masts where an inner sleeve is used to connect the old mast with a new bottom. You might contact US Spars (or whoever the mast maker is) to inquire about costs. Using the original manufacturer means all parts will have the right shape. US Spars has a web site.

Cutting the mast down 3" should be considered with care. Most turnbuckles and furling stays do not adjust that much. All standing rigging would need to be refitted. (Cut and new fittings swagged on) A local rigger could give you estimates on that work.

Maybe you can find a cheap second boat with a good mast.