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  Sandpiper Bent Mast-To Repair or Not?

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Author Topic:   Sandpiper Bent Mast-To Repair or Not?
terryh
JuniorMember 		posted June 11, 2003 03:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for terryh   Click Here to Email terryh     
This past monday in a sudden squall, my turnbuckle gave out and mast flipped and speared into the muddy bottom at my mooring. The top two feet is bent about two inches from plomb, no sharp dents. What are my options? Can I expect a sound repair Straightening? Or will this weaken the mast and give me more grief. I haven't enquired yet for help or quotes on repair, still in shock. Any suggestions or similar problems?
Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

whited
unregistered 		posted June 11, 2003 03:33 PM           
Sorry to hear your bad news.
Three years ago in a race, we lost the mast on a Mirage 33. It came crashing down on the binacle and stern rail.
The dents were noticeable. Insurance paid for a new $6K mast.
We used the dented one for a month until the new one came. The advice was...don't go too far offshore and don't sail in heavy winds.
Otherwise, it seemed fine.

Darcy
Member 		posted June 11, 2003 05:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Darcy   Click Here to Email Darcy     
OUCH!! What a rotten way to start off the season.

I've lost 4 or 5 masts over the last 35 years. Of the two that were bent (The others sheared right off) it was strongly suggested that we not sail with them as the section may be stressed and suffering from metal fatigue.

On one we actually straightened it out (somewhat) and finished the race sailing carefully. I would agree with whited: Be very cautious.

Insurance covered the break (less deductable). Although risky to sail with; a straightened out mast makes a superb cottage flag pole. Gives the place a real yacht club look. You can make the yardarm and gaff from a broken Laser mast which most clubs have in abundance after a windy Laser regatta.

D'Arcy

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