Maintenance of Oregon Varnished Mast:

[pratkins]

It has been recommended to me that a wooden mast should be taken out each five years. This time I waited seven and it is in excellent condition. Having now revarnished it (five coats, so far)and found the benefit of being able to deal with the masthead fittings as well, on the horizontal, it occured to me that it would not be out of the question to have a 'skirt' made in two sections. The lower one could be pulled up on the main halyard and the other on the jib halyard. This should effectively give some protection especially from the sun. Has anyone successfully tried this, or have other comments?

 

[trishkohn]

Painting the top of the spreaders white helps to protect them against heavy sun damage.

 

[pratkins]

Thank you! I tried this two years ago and found the top of the spreaders in excellent condition after that length of exposure. There is a photo taken after removal on my website: http://pratkins.webs.com ! Look in "Sailing in Peter Robyn"

 

[pratkins]

Alternatively,try the following to view spreaders on Peter Robyn:-
http://pratkins.webs.com/sailinginpeterrobyn.htm