New mast needed

[Medway Matt]

Having lost our mast at the end of last season, we need a new mast for our GK29.

We've been dealing with a mast builder but they're incredibly slow to do anything or even supply any information (I'm not mentioning their name yet but we'll see how it goes) and as a consequence are looking for alternatives.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent mast builder and rigger on the east coast? The boat is in Kent.

In contrast, we had no problems with our insurers and their agents, Newton Crum, who have been excellent.

 

[Black Sheep]

Are you the keel stepped or the deck stepped version? If the former, then I know where there's a second-hand mast, if that interests you (either as permanent solution or as a stop-gap)

 

[Medway Matt]

Are you the keel stepped or the deck stepped version? If the former, then I know where there's a second-hand mast, if that interests you (either as permanent solution or as a stop-gap)

We're deck stepped. I guess there's potential for a keel stepped mast to be made to fit but there may be too many compromises, it could be interesting though.

 

[Black Sheep]

Hmmm - it sounds like more faff than it's worth. If you were keel-stepped, it would just slot in (complete with all the rigging if you really want quick & dirty). But I wouldn't know enough about whether it's possible to adapt... hacksaw off the bottom 6 feet and reattach the heel? I'm not very far from the Medway - if you feel mad enough to come & have a shufty at it then send me a PM.

Otherwise - back to does anybody know of good mast builders on the East Coast?

 

[Simonpk]

If it's the same as a GK24 there would be a lot of faffing around as the keel stepped mast was about 1ft forward and fractional rig, the deck stepped was masthead rig.

 

[Leighb]

Z spars are fairly local I think, friends have used them and found them very helpful, but that was a few years ago.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Z spars are fairly local I think, friends have used them and found them very helpful, but that was a few years ago.

I used Z Spar when I got a replacement for Gladys... I approached them at SIBS and got their discount, and the mast arrived bang on time for re-launch following May...

 

[mrming]

I’ve also always found Z-Spars extremely helpful. On the other hand I have never been able to contact Selden successfully.

 

[Bodach na mara]

Another happy Z-Spars customer. They supplied me with a kit which I found straightforward to assemble. I did need to borrow a lazy-tongs pop rivet tool from a local rigger to set the rivets as my own riveting tool couldn't cope.

 

[Daverw]

Another happy Z-Spars customer. They supplied me with a kit which I found straightforward to assemble. I did need to borrow a lazy-tongs pop rivet tool from a local rigger to set the rivets as my own riveting tool couldn't cope.

+1 for zspars, we had damaged spreaders last year very good service for replacement upgrade kit, supplied all needed

 

[Concerto]

My 4 year old Z Spar spinnaker pole has a habit of the end pins seizing, so I had a chat with them on the boat show stand. The following morning he came down to look at the problem as my boat is in the show marina. He was surprised they were locked solid. His solution is a new pair of end fitting with rivets to be sent to my home FOC. Great service from a good company.

I do not have a Z Spar mast, but I do have one of their solid kickers as well.

 

[Medway Matt]

Thanks for all your comments so far, I have had some discussion with Z Spars but they passed me on to another company. I think I'll try to get them to take on the job again.

 

[Elemental]

I used Z Spars when Seaspray needed a new mast... They weren't keen to work directly with me, preferring to deal with a rigger (they were really w quick with info tho. ) I used the now defunct Rig Magic at SYH. They've now been taken over by Parker and Kay trading as Ultimate Rigging (I believe). I also think it's the same riggers there as well....

 

[Black Diamond]

For reasons even I can't remember, I have a previously enjoyed deck mounted mast from a Mustang 30, with rigging, if that isn't too big for your requirements. Please PM if you are interested. I'm also a happy Z Spars customer, had a new stick from them this year, very efficient, quick and good customer service. Good luck.