Mast wedges

[petercrook]

Mast wedges:

Should they be of softwood so they don't damage the mast, or hardwood so that they don't shrink and swell too much (and so damage the mast?)?

The hole in the deck is a parallel sided octogon. Should the wedges be of constant thickness (to match the hole into which they have to fit) or wedge-shaped (so that they can be banged in and, more importantly in view of previous experiance, out)? Or do I need to chamfer the edges of the hole (there must be a proper name for it but it escapes me at the moment) to match the wedges?

Why does everything have to be so complicated?!


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Mirelle]

1. Softwood. Your mast is softwood...

2. Wedge shaped. That's why they are called mast wedges.

3. DON'T bang them in! Fit them in carefully, by hand, and RESIST the dreadful temptation to bang them in with something - you will either cripple the mast or split the deck!

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[spark]

re Mirelle's #2 - wedge shaped, but only slightly so i.e. a slight taper from top to bottom, otherwise they want to pop up as the mast moves.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.qei.co.uk/spark.html>http://www.qei.co.uk/spark.html</A>

 

[Dirk]

Hard wood acually dear boy.

If you use softwood you will never get them out after a season. Teak ought to do the job well.

You really need to fit each one separately and mark their positions.

Personaly I would not give them any wedge at all, only a lip to stop them falling through. Just make them fit well and they wont fall out.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Mirelle]

absolutely right

Just a very slight taper, so they stay put and so that the bearing surface is as large as possible - and I agree with Dirk that a lip at the top is a good plan. Number them so you know where they go.

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[spark]

An alternative?

I have just ordered a Spartite ( www.spartite.com ) kit for wedging the mast on the new boat. The mast is an unstayed carbon tube and it was recommended to use something like Spartite rather than wooden wedges because of the high loads at the partners. I'll report back when I have used it.

If you do decide on Spartite I'd recommend buying from the Dutch supplier rather than the English one - half the price, even with the extra carriage costs.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.qei.co.uk/spark.html>http://www.qei.co.uk/spark.html</A>

 

[ponapay]

I use a very firm

rubber compound. It is easy to cut to shape and to force into the slots. It holds well in place from below and is easy to remove when the mast is struck down.

Can't remember where I got it but it was probably a Clyde chandler.

<hr width=100% size=1>