Polishing the mast

[Sam_Steele]

Hi

i read some where that it is best to use aerowax to polish the mast. It only seems to come in 25ltr containers....i guess a 5 ltr bottle won't be much use on an aeroplane. Can I use normal wax eg car wax or a teflon polish.

Also should I clean it with soapy water ( fairy liquid) and gentle rubbing with a scouring pad?

Many thanks
sam

 

[Lakesailor]

Are you mad? There's quite enough housework without polishing masts.

 

[fireball]

Is it gonna make you go faster?? I know someone who polished his International 420 shrouds before racing ... nice n new boat ... couldn't sail it though - so still came in last!!
Those that can - Do ... those that can't - Polish! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cliffb]

I've heard it said that excessive mast polishing can make you go blind.....

 

[malcp]

I would suggest don't use detergent.

I cleaned with plain water, or boat wash, then when dry clean again with white spirit. To finish either wax, as you suggest, or there's a Blakes product called "Mast Care" which is an oil. Wipe off the excess and allow to dry. I strongly recommend against Teflon polish as when I did this, the following year there were nasty weather streaks which took T-cut to remove. Suggest minimising use of abrasives as far as possible, or you'll thin the anodising.

As far as creating a slipery surface on the mast is concerned you might want to take care how the boat yard cranes the mast back into place. If they are not using a proper mast strop their fixing can slip and the mast will come crashing down. Had this problem myself. Looks good if all goes well though, and the oil helps combat corrosion, especially the fittings.

 

[roberth]

Nah, it's just an old wives' tale - now where's me specs

 

[KREW2]

Hi
I certainly don't have time to polish my mast, all my spare time is taken up knitting new fender socks.

 

[boatmike]

I dunno.... Think about teflon on the spreaders and all those seagulls going a over t trying to settle..... could be fun!

 

[billcowan]

Mmm. Is this thread a big mast-debate?

 

[JKay]

Disgusting thought!!!

cheers Joe /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Lakesailor]

[ QUOTE ]
I've heard it said that excessive mast polishing can make you go blind.....

[/ QUOTE ]
Perhaps the answer is to get the nice young lady on the next boat to polish your mast for you. If she has a good head - for heights- she may do your cap. If you're really lucky she may blitz your tabernacle.

 

[simonfraser]

lake sailor, v good /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[boatmike]

I think we have demonstrated yet again that there is no point asking people with dirty minds how to clean anything........
The serious answer to your post as far as I am concerned is wash off the crap using a detergent and then give it one quick go over with a silicone car polish which will restore its colour and seal the anodising for a while but don't expect it to last long.

 

[cliffb]

Ohh Matron!!!
Get behind me Satan!

 

[pragmatist]

We were told by a rigger never to do more than use soapy water and wash off. Any form of abrasion or polish, we were told, could damage the surface. Don't know if its true or not but perhaps better safe than sorry ?

 

[Lakesailor]

[ QUOTE ]
I think we have demonstrated yet again that there is no point asking people with dirty minds how to clean anything........


[/ QUOTE ]

I can't imagine what you think I was saying. You must have read some alternative meaning into my words. Shame on you.

 

[boatmike]

After washing there is no harm in applying a wax polish. Anodising will not be harmed by the polish but abrasion should be avoided.

 

[simonfraser]

i used to polish mine at least twice a week, however as i am getting older i find the wrists are starting to hurt with all that polishing, remedies ?

 

[Lakesailor]

see my previous post regarding the young lady on the next boat.

 

[Mudplugger]

after you've cleaned it give it a wipe with owertrol...works wonders....leaves it smooth, clean and lasts a season. HTH