Should I take down the mast?

[eranb2]

Hello,
I'm about to replace the shrowds.
boat is jeanneau sun light 30 sail boat.
Is it a good idea to take down the mast after 20 years?
------------
on both sides I have 4 shorouds.
the 2 baby's are 5 mm
the middle are 4 mm
the top/longest are 5mm


Can I replace just the middle/longer ones to 5mm and 6mm?

what is better to use , norsman or bluewave?

Thanks.

 

[Talbot]

Very much easier quicker and safer to do the rigging withe the mast down. Not impossible to do it with the mast up, but you would need to rig temporary replacements and do them one at a time.

 

[simonfraser]

as Talbot says, you can do one at a time, provided you use a halyard to support the mast, slacken the other ones.

but, if it has not been down for 20 years it would be prudent to lower it and check the whole mast whislt you are at it.

 

[captainslarty]

Personally I would definitely take the mast down. Check it all over at the same time, wiring even, all fittings etc. Antenna the works.
There really is no need to increase the size of the shrouds. The whole system is designed around the rigging, attachment points etc. I have never heard of an issue on your boat relating to undersize materials. You will see some references in books to increasing the rigging size, but if you do, bear in mind that attachment points ideally need upgrading at the same time.

 

[oldharry]

Yes. Everything needs checking. Take off all the fittings, and check each component for wear, cracking and distortion, not only where the wires attach, but where the attachments themselves go to the spar. Check the spar itself, particularly under the attachments for damage and corrosion. It only takes one component to fail to lose the whole thing.

 

[CPD]

Ditto OldHarry. Check wiring, seals etc etc.

 

[alldownwind]

Definitely take it down, and if you are unsure of what you are looking for, get a rigger to come and inspect it and make sure he gives to a receipt to say he's done it.
It will prove very valuable if you lose the mast next year and the insurance company ask when it was last professionally inspected.

 

[mithril]

Definetely leave it up. Cannot think of a single reason not too. It costs to lower it, damage occurs and a mast that small its easy to whip up top for a look-see.

This one might come down to a vote. I've cast mine.