Mast Splicing

[Douglas]

Currently, I too am involved in a mast splicing project on a 45' Forespar 4 1/2" X 7" extruded aluminum mast tube.

Please check the archive on this forum, as this thread is already covered.

The actual extruded aluminum mast tube, is quite inexpensive, like usd $ 600.00 for my 45' tube, but after a spar builder starts work on it,,,, look out , because those $$$$$$$ signs you describe become evident, rather quickly.

On my rig, the two stb spreaders were forced fwd, the welded-on bases gave way, and they dimpled the mast wall, resulting in a set bow or bend in the mast, as viewed from end to end.

I found out later that the Forespar technique of welding the spreader bases onto the mast wall, destroyed the temper of that mast wall, making it weakened where it shouldn't have been allowed.

I would suggest that it is less expensive and quicker to repair a damaged rig, than to completely replace it, if you are considering, buying a new one.

I was given some supposedly expert advice from the most expensive yacht repair yard here in Singapore, they were supposed to have knowledge about these type of rigging repairs, but it was all talk, that was confirmed later,,, as bogus .

I was also very surprised to find out that aluminum spreader extrusion prices in the US, are sky high too. Like usd $ 118.00 per 3', and that was a year or two ago.

My final conclusion is do everything you can to keep your existing rig in " good nick" , as the Kiwi's say ,,,, because, with out it, you go nowhere, fast !

Douglas