Mast Care

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
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BTS
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Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Abbeygust, 08 Mac 26M, Camp Hill, PA

Mast Care

Post by BTS »

Hi All,

Ready to take the tarps off to begin a second season on the :macm: and getting ready to clean her up--get the wax out, etc. I will be adding a wind vane and mast hound (for spinnaker) to the mast so I will have it off the boat for the mods. Two questions: Was wondering if there is any care or treatment that is recommended for the mast and boom. I was thinging about a wax or sealer. As it is aluminum, maybe it is best to leave it alone. Have not found anything searching the board. Also, if you have added a mast hound, how did you attach it to the mast? I cannot remember if the original mast hound is bolted or if is pop riveted. I suspect it is riveted. I plan to add the hound about a foot above the other. Does that sound about right? Waiting for the right weather to measure the spinnaker. I am still trying to figure out whether to fly the chute inside or outside the roller fuller, and that would determine how I would attach it to the bow. At this point I am thinking outside. If you have encountered these matters would appreciate some help. This board has been a tremedous resource, have been a sandbagging for couple of years. Thanks.

Barton
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David Mellon
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Re: Mast Care

Post by David Mellon »

The hound is bolted on with a 3/8" stainless bolt. As far as I know there is no maintenence for the masts finish other than brushing off any debris. Sorry, I dont fly a spinnaker.
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Highlander
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Re: Mast Care

Post by Highlander »

BTS

Here's a pic of my mast set up keep in mind that is a second set of spreaders you are looking at, the second hound is for my genny which is mounted on a 4ft bowsprit , the third "top hound" is for my spin
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010035.jpg

while you have your mast off spray the mainsail slot with a sailkote or simular product it will make it easier to raise & lower the mainsail

J
Kelly Hanson East
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Re: Mast Care

Post by Kelly Hanson East »

Barton

No care required for mast - especially if you are fresh water sailing (I think you are in PA)

You do want to inspect the swages each season carefully for signs of corrosion or bending failure - if the forestay comes off on this boat, the mast comes down of course.

Hounds attach with bolt per above

I fly my spin from the jib halyard and a tack line either on the base of the furler (CDI) or even just attached to a front cleat, slightly off centre.
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Terry
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Re: Mast Care

Post by Terry »

BTS wrote:Hi All,

Ready to take the tarps off to begin a second season on the :macm: and getting ready to clean her up--get the wax out, etc. I will be adding a wind vane and mast hound (for spinnaker) to the mast so I will have it off the boat for the mods. Two questions: Was wondering if there is any care or treatment that is recommended for the mast and boom. I was thinging about a wax or sealer. As it is aluminum, maybe it is best to leave it alone. Have not found anything searching the board.

Barton
I have a small container of metal polish that I use on the aluminum rims of my car, it brings them up nice and shiny after a dirty wet winter. Itried the stuff on my stantions and pulpit and brought them up nice and shiny too, but it was a lot of work(worth it though). Perhaps some day in retirement when I am bored with nothing to do I'll try the stuff on my mast and boom, for now it seems like to much effort.
:wink:
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Bluecrab
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Re: Mast Care

Post by Bluecrab »

Terry wrote:
I have a small container of metal polish that I use on the aluminum rims of my car, it brings them up nice and shiny after a dirty wet winter. Itried the stuff on my stantions and pulpit and brought them up nice and shiny too, but it was a lot of work(worth it though).
On an adventure with the Boy scouts sailing a 71ft schooner in the Bahamas we learned, that is the job of the deck crew and some of the watch crew when you are not sailing, say when the galley crew is making meals. Have a bucket with polish and plenty of rags handy at all times. Keeps the boat looking great. Not to mention it keeps the crew out of trouble.

Wally
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BTS
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Re: Mast Care

Post by BTS »

Thanks all for the help! Highlander, I have a greater appreciation for the work you have done on the mast. The picture was very helpful. Am very anxious to get the mods completered and get on the water. Aren't we all that live in places with winter!

Barton
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Wa2paa
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Re: Mast Care

Post by Wa2paa »

While I don't work for "Rupp Marine", I had the a chance to resore an Aluminum Mast, that was a bit under the weather.
After aprox. 3 Years of sitting on the hard, this spare Mast just show'd signs of Ageing & White Film Oxidation.

So with a simple treatment of Aluma Guard, I was off and running.... Just like new... and now use it after the end of each season before packing up. Quite Satisfied.. :D
http://www.ruppmarine.com/Accessories/A ... ay-64.html
Nice Stuff, You will be happy you tried it...

Happy Holiday
Jack
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Russ
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Re: Mast Care

Post by Russ »

I'd put a coat of polymer or wax every so often just to keep it from oxidizing. Couldn't hurt.
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