extending / sleeving a Proctor mast

[sarabande]

my navigational colleague has suggested that instead of buying an expensive second-hand mast, I might think about extending the mid-section of my redundant Proctor mast which is 80 cm shorter than the dodgy wooden one which needs replacing.


Much value in the idea, as it means that I can use the multiplicity of sails from my cremated Quarter Tonner, from whom the mast originates.


Does anyone have a list of, or know where I can check out, Proctor sections please ?

 

[lw395]

They call themselves Selden now.
Most of the old sections still seem to exist.

 

[sarabande]

now that could be very very useful ! ta!

 

[William_H]

extending a mast

80cms is not very much extension to my mind and the Ali mast may be quite Ok without extending. Sails can be easily cut down if they are too big for the mast. For a mainsail you can cut it down from the bottom by cutting the foot and using the first reef eyelets. Or cut the head down and trim the leach making a bigger roach. I would imagine only your largest jib would need to be cut down for the shorter forestay.
Yes you will end up with poorer light wind performance but much of this can be recovered by use of larger reaching type code 0 or assy spin.
Anyway if you want to extend the mast then I would suggest you add at the bottom. This will be below gooseneck so not affect the main sail track. it also means you can double up the splicing and reinforcement without adding too much weight aloft. However be careful and conservative on the strength as you don't want to have any doubts about the integrity of the mast. Shorter is stronger. good luck olewill