Thoughts on taking the mast out...

[sarabande]

... while the boat is still ashore.

Keel stepped mast that has not been out for many years. I have been up to the top on a cherry picker over two years ago, and nothing seemed to be in need of attention. Since then the boat has been peacefully cradled.

I am just beginning to wonder if I should have the mast extracted, so that I can inspect closely the standing and running rigging, the electric wiring and aerial, wind sensor, plus attach a new windex, then replaced. It's an old mast, beefy and solid with similar shrouds and stays.

The boat is due an insurance survey for 2005, and I would like to be able to get ahead of the game and get a formal inspection to identify any actual or potential mast or rigging problems. Also I would very much like to service the top unit of the furling gear.

Are there any real disadvantages (apart from wallet damage) or advantages to asking the yard to remove the mast ? Would the (any ?) insurance company in 2005 accept that a full inspection and maintenance had been carried out this year ?


Thoughts and suggestions please.

 

[awol]

I think you need to update your calendar! 'Cos I have the (expensive) luxury of indoor winter storage my mast is lifted every year. A full inspection is mind settling, allows cleaning and lubricating grooves and checking of all clevis pins and split pins, cleaning and lubing all electrical connections, etc.. Would I do it if I wintered on the hard? Definitely not!

 

[srm]

Assume your insurance survey is due 2025? in which case this year is probably a bit early.
I would suggest that if you have current concerns paying a rigging company (or the yard) to carry out an inspection without removing the mast might be a lot easier on the wallet.

 

[[70521]]

@sarabande If you are planning to get afloat this year or next there are several good local riggers that will happily inspect the mast while up. My own personal preference is Allspars.

 

[William_H]

In my experience rigging wire fails with calendar period. Regardless of use or abuse. So it seems to me that you may be due for wire replacement to satisfy insurance companies who tend to agree on about 15 year life. (some less some not at all) Reality is you can not inspect wire to any useful degree that can detect likely failure. Unes of course there are obvious broken strands. I would think that life of the wire and need for an insurance survey might help you decide on mast removal. If you get a professional surveyor to look at the boat go for an insurance approved survey. ol'will