Cracking to mast, shrinkage?

[out_to_sea]

Hi all, I helped a friend out with some maintenance work on his boat yesterday. His mast has been in storage under cover for the last 18 months.

When we got there the mast has what looks like shrinkage crack running about 2 metres long, 3 metres up from the base and in places up to 75mm (3 inch) deep in places. The crack is pretty strait and the mast is around 150mm in dia.

I'm after some advice on what to do, I know there are lots of very knowledgeable people on here but I must ask, could you only offer a suggestion if your competant do so. I really don't want to be half way to Holland and loose the mast /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I've a photo but can't figure out how to upload it?

Thanks very much

 

[retsina]

I pressume you are reffering to a wooden mast. There is a "Classic Boat Forum" on this site; i am sure they will be eager to advise you.

 

[vyv_cox]

Is this what is called a 'shake?' Supposedly does no harm, but don't take my word for it, I'm a metallurgist! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As already suggested, sounds like a Classic Boat problem.

 

[Chrusty1]

If this is a solid mast as opposed to a hollow one, it is probably just a "shake" that has occured due to the mast "drying out" whilst in storage. Generally it is not much to worry about, but you should really seal it to prevent rain water getting in there and starting a bit of rot.

The old timers would probably have just filled it with white lead putty and varnished over it, but I have seen a mast that had a shake filled with epoxy resin, then varnished over, it would seem to be a good way of dealing with it?

Perhaps others may care to comment?

 

[out_to_sea]

Our worry with filling it was if it re-hydrates will the filler act as a wedge and open up further, perhaps without us knowing?

I'll bob this thread on the classic boat forum thanks

 

[Chrusty1]

[ QUOTE ]
Our worry with filling it was if it re-hydrates will the filler act as a wedge and open up further, perhaps without us knowing?

I'll bob this thread on the classic boat forum thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

Well if you are worried about that, just fill it with putty, if it "re-hydrates", it will just squeaze the putty back out again.

 

[WindermereColvic]

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