starboard for rot repair

[Steve]

I want to replace my copression block under the mast in the bilge with starboard. I spoke with the company that makes the product and they say that it will work fine for that application. The engineer I spoke with said that some boat manufactures are using there material for this process. The engineer said that it dosen't absorb water and the compression strength is greater than wood. He told me to cut the pieces and stack them to the desired highth and put a couple of stainless screws to hold them together. I'm planning on doing this with the mast up with the stays and shrouds loose. I will try to lift the floor with some screw jacks made with 5/8 rod and some steel plates. Please let me know if you think this system will work. Thanks in advance for you advice!

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

Interesting...

Steve,Interesting idea. I'm surprised I haven't seen this posed before. The only concern I'd have regards leaving the mast up.I'd spend the extra few bucks to have it pulled. It would be a good time to check the halyard sheaves, shroud tangs, rigging, etc., as well. If your screw-jack system fails you're going to be looking at some ugly repair projects like deck compression, interior ceiling repair, etc.Just my 2 cents. Either way, good luck with the project!Allen Schweitzers/v Falstaff (formerly Drambuie)C-30 Hull # 632

 

[Sean]

Starboard

I have not heard of this product. Where did you get it. I think your system will work, but I wouldn't jack it up very much. Sean

 

[Lauraine]

We have used starboard as a wood replacement

a couple of times - it should work great for what you want to do. I would unstep the mast though. I don't think I'd want it up with loose shrouds just in case it got jacked up too high or balanced unevenly. Puts too much pressure on you to hurry and finish something you really want to take your time doing. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Mike Casucci]

Share the project

I realize it would be asking a lot, but perhaps you could share the project on the Catalina 30 assn. website with the rest of us. I am very intrigued about replaceing with starboard.