ean_p
Well-Known Member
What is the expected life of an aluminium mast assuming no physical damage, or is it an 'how long is a piece of string' question ?
Aluminium mast life?
- Thread starter ean_p
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CPD
Well-Known Member
Assuming normal werat/tear and little rust, then I would guess it is a string question. It is more usually the standing rigging that is given a limited life, well by the insurance companies anyway.
Flossdog
Well-Known Member
I had a 1969 boat with an unanodised mast that was, structurally fine when I sold it in 1997. Cosmetically it looked a bit rough though. My present 1987 anodised mast looks like it will outlast me. As previous poster said, it is the rigging that goes first.
Searush
Well-Known Member
Mine are 36 years old & while a bit chipped, scratched & battered they are sound. Same goes for both booms too.
Previous boat was sold aged 32 with mast & rigging in good order, although one shroud had been replaced after chafeing thro against a neighbouring boat when a mooring line broke in a storm.
so 30-35 years seems quite common. But these were Westerlies & very strongly built. Modern, lighter section masts may not be quite so long lived.
Previous boat was sold aged 32 with mast & rigging in good order, although one shroud had been replaced after chafeing thro against a neighbouring boat when a mooring line broke in a storm.
so 30-35 years seems quite common. But these were Westerlies & very strongly built. Modern, lighter section masts may not be quite so long lived.
William_H
Well-Known Member
It seems to me that a mast can be assessed by its condition from inspection.Corrosion can be cleaned off and treated or painted.
Beware of 2 pack urethane paints. The paint is so good that it can remain intact covering corrosion areas.
Aircraft made during second world war are still ok if the corrosion is treated and metal protected so why not a mast.
Unlike stainless steel rigging wire which can fail with no obvious signs of weakening and age.
If a mast looks good from the outside then it probably is good. They are not usually subject to a lot of fatigue stress.
good luck olewill
Beware of 2 pack urethane paints. The paint is so good that it can remain intact covering corrosion areas.
Aircraft made during second world war are still ok if the corrosion is treated and metal protected so why not a mast.
Unlike stainless steel rigging wire which can fail with no obvious signs of weakening and age.
If a mast looks good from the outside then it probably is good. They are not usually subject to a lot of fatigue stress.
good luck olewill