Mast section joints

[v89122]

At the marina I noticed that several newish boats have masts with a joint where two extrusion lengths have been mated together. No doubt it is a properly engineered joint with sleeving and correct rivet pattern but would I want this on a new boat ? I saw two identical newish Bavs - one with a mast joint - the other with a single length. And this mast joint is also seen on expensive boats - I saw it on a big Malo. How does it happen ? Are Selden just using up extrusion offcuts ? Is it pot luck ? Do you just get what comes from the factory with your name on it ? I am thinking about buying a new boat so I am wondering if I can specify that I want a one-piece mast.

 

[Norman_E]

It does look like pot luck. I saw a boat (I think it was a Bav, but not sure) with a joint about a foot or so above the boom, which I thought was an area of high stress. I have however never heard of a joint failing, so perhaps these joints are actually stronger than the mast section itself?

 

[savageseadog]

Selden seem limited on Spar length, we have one of their new sections and it's joined. I don't think it's weaker but I'm fairly sure it must affect the bend of the mast. If it's put in the right area it shouldn't matter

 

[TradewindSailor]

It would be good to get a response from a mast supplier on this one.

I don't think it's unusual to have a joint at the spreaders or at the gooseneck. The internal sleeve should take the loads and add some local stiffness where it will do the most good.

I know that there have been problems on masts that are built of two extrusions joined down their length with epoxy. I know of one boat where this joint cracked and had to be renewed as it was impossible to reglue the joint outside of the factory environment.

 

[boguing]

Simple limit on the available length of extrusions. 15 years ago it was 40' max. If you can arrange for the internal sleeve to be at the gooseneck, that's a plus, but not essential.

Would imagine that there are some alloy manufacturers that can do longer lengths these days, but the sleeve <u>is</u> very strong.

 

[30boat]

These joints are very strong.My Fulmar and some others I've seen all have a sleeved joint at the bottom of the mast under the gooseneck.Mine is 27 years old and shows no signs of stress.

 

[steve6367]

Does seem slightly random - my L33 has a single section - was in St Peter Port last week and another one there had 2 sections - mind you he had a Selden Mast - mine is Z Spars.........