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Rejoining a Mast

  • December 14, 2012 6:32 AM
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    Message # 1159904
    Deleted user
    My mast was cut in two pieces before I acquired my W28.  I am preparing to rejoin it soon and was looking for hints as to the process.  The previous owner had two internal aluminum sleeves machined which makes things a lot easier, but I'm still trying to figure the best way to do this.  

    Also, the spreader brackets have been cut off and I must come up with something in that department as well...

    I've watched Yves Gelinas repair the mast on Jean-du-Sud, a 30 ft Alberg.  It appeared that he used an epoxy and I believe he said, "Glued, Screwed, Riveted, and Bolted."  That immediately presents four questions... What type of glue?  What size & type of screw? What size & type of rivet? What size & type of bolt?  (OK with conjunctions, 7 questions).

    Stainless or Aluminum?  A friend in Australia recommended Monel rivets dipped in tef-gel and 1/4 inch rivets.  

    Pics of my mast are here, http://westsail28.net/Mast-&-Rigging.html .

    Any advice would be appreciated.

    Thanks.

    David F
    Last modified: December 14, 2012 5:18 PM | Deleted user
  • December 15, 2012 10:13 AM
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    Reply # 1160560 on 1159904
    Anonymous member
    I would recommend using aluminum rivets, and epoxy glue.  Rivets spaced about 2" apart.
  • December 15, 2012 12:06 PM
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    Reply # 1160606 on 1159904
    Deleted user
    Bud,

    Thanks for the info... What size rivets would you recommend?

    David
  • December 15, 2012 1:32 PM
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    Reply # 1160624 on 1159904
    Anonymous member
    I don't know what is available to you locally, but I would say 3/16" or 1/4".
  • December 16, 2012 5:01 AM
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    Reply # 1160972 on 1159904
    Anonymous member
    Bud,

    I really hadn't thought about this much, until reading this post. But it a short piece of internal sleeve of the appropriate size would seem like a great spare to have aboard for anyone doing long-distance cruising. 

    Were the masts consistent enough through the various Westsail model lines to make this feasible add-on to your parts inventory?

    I'm curious who else might be interested in purchasing such an item. It would certainly be more economically feasible to create these in volume than one-up.

    Jack
  • December 16, 2012 8:26 AM
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    Reply # 1161035 on 1159904
    Anonymous member

    Not too feasable an idea.  There were too many different mast sections used, from four different mast builders to make it practical.  The ones I have seen done, and some by the mast builder, use sections from smaller masts, cut apart and bent to fit as well as possible to the inside of the mast. 

    A piece of wood carved to match the inside of the mast section would work, and could be fabricated locally most anywhere you happen to be where you can take down and work on a mast.