Twisting masts............

[mickandbee]

Going back in the water tomorrow after a 9 month refit and have noticed both masts have developed a twist in them. They have been off the boat and on cradles the whole time. To late to do anything now I suspect but any insight/thoughts/ advice would be appreciated. Boat is a gaff ketch.
Thanks
Mick

 

[Mirelle]

Are they both grown sticks?

This does happen with grown sticks. Usually with masts that are not that old. It will happen whether the mast is up or down, and is just a consequence of seasoning.

Remedies:

1. Re-fit the hounds, in the new position.

2. Keep the hounds where they were, and re-cut the tenon at the foot of the mast, moving the spider band for the gooseneck (if fitted) round to the new position.

No 2 is less work, but it has the effect of shortening the mast by two inches or so, so, whilst it is fine if you have deadeyes and lanyards, it may be disastrous if you have bottlescrews and they are already almost fully closed when the shouds are set up.

 

[mickandbee]

Thanks A
Both grown sticks and at have been masts for the last 14 years - does that help?

 

[Mirelle]

Well, they are both teenagers...

Young enough to become twisted, I think.

I remember, years ago, seeing a Colchester smack whose grown mast had twisted quite dramatically - about 45 degrees. She was still on her mooring and still sailing - I suppose she got straightened out in the winter.

 

[mickandbee]

10/10 - that's the answer I needed.......!