Replacement Masthead Box/Masthead Assembly (small yacht/keelboat)

[AllWinds]

The masthead assembly/masthead block on our boat was damaged this past weekend. Our mast top went under the backstay of the neighbour boat and his backstay effectively sawed through one side of our masthead fitting, where the backstay attaches. We dropped the mast today to inspect the damage, and it is looking like we either need to replace the fitting or find someone who can weld a new toggle to take the backstay to it.

The boat is an older Sunwind 221 from the '80s, there are not many of them around. I think the mast is a Selden. There is a product number stamped on the inside of the masthead fitting (501-204), which looks like a Selden article number. Still, for the life of me, I can not find any information on this anywhere online. Does anyone have any insight or information that might be able to help?

There is a local Sailboat Scrap Yard where I will go later this week to see if I can get a suitable replacement, and I have the contact for a welder who might be able to help too, but I would appreciate any information or hints anyone might be able to give in terms of finding a replacement if it comes to that.

Cheers,
All Winds

 

[William_H]

I think ali welding might be the best way to repair what I call the back stay crane. (unless you can source a replacement) Used to be able to buy a stainless steel box to carry sheaves tangs etc all in one but this might not suit your rig.

Crane is quite a lot longer on my little boat to accommodate roach of main sail. In my case fractional rig the back stay is not critical to mast staying up. However you can put a load on the back stay in stronger winds.
Alternatives might be a U section of heavy ali or stainless steel bolted on top extending back to provide back stay attachment.
Yes neighbors masts can be a real problem in side by side pen moorings. Usually alternate one boat facing in one facing out will get masts away from being adjacent. ol'will