Rot in wooden mast

J

John_Hampton

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 Jul 2001
Messages
99
Location
Oxfordshire, UK
Visit site
Does anyone have links to a site which could give information on repairing a wooden mast? It has rotted on one side where water has been trapped between it and the tabernacle, I have no knowledge of sailing boats, is it safe to cut out a section and epoxy in another? The mast is 3inches in diameter, 17 feet long and off a Winkle Brig. Any assistance much appreciated.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
spars have always been repaired albeit with some loss of strength. However with todays glues there should be no real problem providing you provide a good length of joint for the glue to do its business.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
I think I would get a new mast, not expensive for one that size. But you could scarf in a graving piece, but its a fair amount of work, are you a good chippy?


<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Right down at the base of the mast inside the tabernacle the mast is under very little stress and strain so should be no problem to repair.Small localised "soft spots" can be chiseled out in a diamond shape and a "graving "piece glued in.

More substantial rot will need a new piece scarfed on.Using suitable timber and modern glue little or no strength will be lost. Sorry but I dont know of a website ,is there a local boatbuilder/shipwright who could either offer advise or do the job for you?

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
The base oif a mast is under very little stress? I beg to differ, the base is where all the stresses end up, which is why it is normally the thickest part of the mast. IMHO

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Did precisely that repair to a 26 foot mast 4 years ago, using a good epoxy, and its still as good as new. It is vital to have a good long scarph, which actually fits and does not have gaps. Because mine was a glued mast - 2 timbers joined lengthwise, I made a long vee scarph, which gave even more strength. Basically the bigger glue area you have the better.

If you are uncertain abount your carpentering skills though, better to go for a new one as accurate scarphing is by no means the easiest job, and because of the loads round the tabernacle it needs to be right.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Hello John I would take tyo task the respondent who claims large loads at the mast base. Assuming the tabernacle gives the mast freedom to move or tilt forward and sideways then at the base the load is all in compression.. Keep this in mind when designing your repair.. The centre of the mast between the base and the stays is where the stiffness of the mast is critical as the compression forces can tend to make the mast buckle and break..
Just as a thought you might consider raising the tabernacle and cutting out the rot by7 shortening the mast.
Regards will

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Obviously you are technically correct "coscott" but all the force on the foot of the mast is in compression which timber is very good at .

The usual high stress areas are between the gooseneck and spreaders if fitted where considerable lateral force can be applied to the mast during gybes rigging failures etc..Personally I would not attempt to repair a wooden mast with rot at the gooseneck or spreader areas.

Think about it if you attatched a chain block to a deck stepped mast anywhere along its length and applied horizontal pull where do you think it would snap,Certainly not within 2 feet of the base .A keel stepped mast is a different thing altogether .

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top