Split in Mast

[jhagg]

Looking to purchase my first sailboat - a 1993 28' Hunter. I noticed a split in the mast when we were looking over the boat. The split is about 10" long (vertical) up near the first set of spreaders. It is near the sail track about 1" away. The owner says it can be repaired by a marine shop welder. Should I run or is it no big deal if repaired correctly? Thanks.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

It can be repaired but it is also an indication of other potential defects in the mast.

 

[Fly_H23]

Run!!! You don't want a project as your first sailboat unless you prefer working on a boat more than sailing it.

Don't let a low price blind you to potential major problems like a split in the mast. If the seller says its fixable, let him get it fixed and put back together.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The mast is made of aluminum. When there is a split in it, I always have recommended replacement as it is indicative being weak and that you do not need on any mast. I would suggest that you either run or have a new mast put on the boat and let the offer be noted for that replacement. Otherwise walk away.

 

[anchorclanker]

There was a guy a while back who had a slightly bent mast, and there was a great deal of discussion about bending it back. But a bend is not a weld. The weld will anneal the metal, weakening it at the weld. Only by heat treating the entire mast could you hope to get it back to its original strength. It cracked for a reason, and it would be best to condemn it. In fact, saw it up so no one can ever use it. Thats whats often done with timed out helicopter rotor blades.

 

[seadaddler]

Reason

Why did it split first off and why did the the seller not fix it if so easy to do,it will need to be taken down checked over why it split and than weld it.
I would keep looking for a boat needing less repairs because a used boat will always need more $$$$ and so keep looking so many boats for sale.
Most of my life I was fixing up used cars,trucks and boats when i could have been enjoying and letting some one else do the repairs for sure.
Nick

 

[Sailm8]

I had a split at the spreaders due to hurricane Charley. JSI repaired it with a sleeve over the split section. Did a great job and insurance covered the whole thing plus painting the mast. Never had a problem.

That being said my opinion is to pass on the boat. Too many fish in the sea but if you really must have the boat, repair is possible and effective.

 

[jhagg]

Thanks for the advice everyone!