Mast Tang Replacement

[benjiwoodboat]

Are mast tangs replaced at the same interval of chainplates? They are essentially mast chainplates right? Or, because tangs are not going thru a deck, where corrosion is accelerated, are tangs a little less worrisome?

To test mine, can I do a similar dye test as one does for chainplates?

Im pretty sure these tangs are 30 years old, been in the tropics all their life. Would they qualify for a replacement? Boat is a Ta Shing Norseman 447. Not sure who supplied the mast and hardware, but I know Taiwan metal is notorious for poor quality.

If replacement is the best option -- where to find these… or are they going to have to be custom replicated? Is titanium a good option for tangs?

Thanks,
Ben

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Tangs can outlive chainplates as corrosion is usually not as severe. But tangs are often peculiarly undersized, so suffer more readily from fatigue, especially if there are lead problems. But that is a moot point here, as even in a best-case, yours are aged, and of questionable original quality. New ones are straightforward to get, in a variety of materials. If you do replace them, check the load numbers, get the ideal leads -- generally work to avoid cloning errors.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Douglas]

Ahoy Brion , wondering what would be "Cloning Errors" on mast tangs ?

Do you suggest by this , that the tang displayed in the Benjiwood photo needs a nudge more shoulder area around the pin hole and screw holes and this should not be repeated/copied when fabricating new ones ?

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
I don't seem to have a picture of the tang here...
Fair leads,
Brion Toss