aluminium mast lifespan

[PabloPicasso]

My 27 footer from 1979 needs new standing rigging. While quoting for this the rigger pointed out that the spreader roots are an area prone to failure on such an old mast. The mast is down and the spreader bases look Ok.

The cost of a new mast would add considerably to the cost of re-rigging. Is the rigger spinning me a line to increase his take, or is this something I should be worried about?

the spars are the original fittings in aluminium. What is the life of aluminium spars, (mine are 30 years old). Should I bite the bullet and just replace the mast with new?

 

[Dan the man]

I guess things can often look ok when they aren't. Maybe get an aluminium welding expert to look at the welding. Tap it with a hammer and see what happens, try working the joint to see if it moves or cracks, maybe.

I wanted to comment, reall,y as I am intrigued by your user name...are you an artist, enthusiast, or indeed Pablo himself, from the other side?

 

[vyv_cox]

Failure in this context means fatigue cracks. You can inspect for them with a magnifying glass, being very thorough and precise. You could also use a dye penetrant likethis, not expensive and reasonably easy to use. If you find no cracks you can be reasonably assured that the mast is not about to fail.

The advantage of having an old mast is that it is probably built to a stronger standard than more modern ones, with greater wall thickness. There must be very many boats with masts of this age, still functioning perfectly.

 

[Boathook]

My mast is at least 2 years older and still looks ok with no visible signs of corrosion at end of last year ....

 

[Searush]

My boat is 1973 with original spars & rigging, but maybe not used that hard.

Lots of boats around that are older & with original gear. But there are also new boats that suffer rig failure in their first year or two. I suspect the guy is just trying to cover his butt in case of future failure & probably wouldn't mind the extra work either.

 

[sighmoon]

I once had a mast fail from corrosion - a crack appeared beside the spreader bracket while under way. After motoring home, I took the spreader bracket off, and there was a large hole behind it. (Spreader bracket was stainless steel)

Is there any sign of corrosion around the join? Does the mast look all shiny in general, or is it matt and pitted?

 

[Bosun Higgs]

masts certainly dont last for ever but I dont think there is a rule of thumnb for the lifespan any more than there is for the standing rigging.

you need to inspect the mast concentrating on where there are dissimilar metal fittings and at stress points like the spreader roots. If you have done that conscientiously then I dont see that the insurance company should have a moan if it fell down. maybe the odd photo for file?

 

[PabloPicasso]

well thanks for the responses. It was the spreader bases in particular that were causing concern. Is this a design flaw/weakness? Has anyone had this type of fitting fail??