I'd like to solicit advise on an issue we are facing on our 1981 46' Irwin Ketch. We've owned the boat for the last 5 years. We are undergoing Hurricane Katrina repairs and some general re-fitting we've wanted to do. The boatyard took down our main and mizzen masts for inspection and re-painting. They consulted a rigging specialist to give us an estimate on the rigging age and if any rigging needed to be replaced/repaired. The rigging specialist was concerned with the fact that our main mast is a "two piece" mast, and he indicated that this Irwin configuration of a two piece mast was only used for a few years in the early 1980s and was abandoned due to frequent mast failures. We've had two surveys on the boat - one when we purchased it and another from a different surveyor just last month. Neither surveyor indicated any issues with the two piece masts, other than it needed painting, as the paint was flaking off (purely cosmetic). Does anyone have any knowledge or know anyone who has any knowledge on the two piece masts that Irwin used in the early 1980s, who could give us some insight into any potential problems? The rigger is recommending a new main mast, if we plan to do serious sailing. Currently, we are mostly weekend sailing in around Mobile Bay, as we are still working. But we plan to cruise in a few years. Any advise would be greatly appreciated, Beth Geiger s/v Grace
Two Piece Mast
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Not a problem to me
I have a 2 Pc mast on my 1980 Irwin 37 CC sloop that I just had painted. I have cruised the coast from Washington to Mexico and spent the last 6 seasons of the 12 I have owned her, down in Mexico with no mast problems. When I prepared the mast for painting I inspected the seam on both sides for the full length and it appeared just fine. I believe the Irwins are a little short rigged and the mast is over stiff in the cross section in both directions (I mean over designed for the expected loads). My rigging is a little oversized and the entire rig is fitted with stayloc fittings. I think that if it had a fractional rig that was being flexed all the time for mainsail shape, like on a racing boat, it could have developed some problems, but as a masthead rig on a cruising boat, where the mast stays straight in column, it appears to be just fine. Besides, on a ketch when the wind pipes up you're going to put the main away and sail on jib and Mizzen, or put the jib and mizzin away and sail on just the main. A prudent cruiser should never overstress that rig. Since you paid for your survey however you should go back to the surveyor and ask him.
I have a 2 Pc mast on my 1980 Irwin 37 CC sloop that I just had painted. I have cruised the coast from Washington to Mexico and spent the last 6 seasons of the 12 I have owned her, down in Mexico with no mast problems. When I prepared the mast for painting I inspected the seam on both sides for the full length and it appeared just fine. I believe the Irwins are a little short rigged and the mast is over stiff in the cross section in both directions (I mean over designed for the expected loads). My rigging is a little oversized and the entire rig is fitted with stayloc fittings. I think that if it had a fractional rig that was being flexed all the time for mainsail shape, like on a racing boat, it could have developed some problems, but as a masthead rig on a cruising boat, where the mast stays straight in column, it appears to be just fine. Besides, on a ketch when the wind pipes up you're going to put the main away and sail on jib and Mizzen, or put the jib and mizzin away and sail on just the main. A prudent cruiser should never overstress that rig. Since you paid for your survey however you should go back to the surveyor and ask him.
Answer from Gene Gammon
I thought I'd share an answer from Gene Gammon from another list server. All Irwin masts were built the same as yours. Front and back interlocking and epoxied and pressed masts, booms, davits. No sleaves or rivets were used or needed. No Irwin masts have come apart from sailing offshore or in rough seas. If the standing rigging is good, you are good to go. Your so called "Rigging specialist" needs to find another line of work since he obviously wants to sell you new mast. Possibly a used car salesman. I hate it when I see lies and lack of knowledge passed around. It just creates rumors with no substance. Irwin did not discontinue using the two part masts and there were no mast failures as he stated. Did he find any fault with your rigging or swedges? A good sailboat surveyor, one that goes up the rig, should have found any cracks or faults in your rig. If you want to verify what I say, email me and I will give you a name of a couple of rigging companies that you can ask via phone or email. Best regards, Gene www.irwinyachts.com www.gcyachts.com
I thought I'd share an answer from Gene Gammon from another list server. All Irwin masts were built the same as yours. Front and back interlocking and epoxied and pressed masts, booms, davits. No sleaves or rivets were used or needed. No Irwin masts have come apart from sailing offshore or in rough seas. If the standing rigging is good, you are good to go. Your so called "Rigging specialist" needs to find another line of work since he obviously wants to sell you new mast. Possibly a used car salesman. I hate it when I see lies and lack of knowledge passed around. It just creates rumors with no substance. Irwin did not discontinue using the two part masts and there were no mast failures as he stated. Did he find any fault with your rigging or swedges? A good sailboat surveyor, one that goes up the rig, should have found any cracks or faults in your rig. If you want to verify what I say, email me and I will give you a name of a couple of rigging companies that you can ask via phone or email. Best regards, Gene www.irwinyachts.com www.gcyachts.com
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