Athwartship S Bend in Mast

[Water Dog]

I'm surveying a boat for possible purchase and use as a blue water cruiser. Budget is a big issue. It has a slight S bend in the mast that is permanent. Loosening the standing rigging did not straighten it. Its bows slightly to starboard between the deck and the spreaders and bows slightly to port between the spreaders and the masthead.

Any thoughts on how to determine whether this is a problem?

[benz]

My 27' Irwin's mast had an S-bend also when I bought it (some chump overtightened the rigging, and it went so far as to crack the mast support beam in the cabin, so I had to replace that before ever I could sail her). The bend was slight enough that the slides still ran smoothly in the track (very important), and we put about 3000 miles of often-rough blue water under her keel with no problems from the mast. Remember that it is better to go to sea in a boat you can afford than to stay on land wishing for a boat you can't.....
Of course, I'm not a rigger, so if one of them weighs in with an opinion, it's likely more valid than mine.
Ben

[Water Dog]

Thanks, Benz. Sounds similar. This bend won't affect the operation, and we do want to get going.

As I prepare for my first bluewater voyage ever and am responsible for the safety and comfort of my wife and kids, I'm constantly challenged by the mental gymnastics of not being fearful, while not taking unreasonable risks.

I really appreciate hearing your experience.

If anyone else is out there with further thoughts, I'd appreciate them.

Joe

[Douglas]

Hi Joe, my boat and mast went through the Asian Tsunami, and suffered mast damage, because both sailboats on both sides of me were rolling opposite directions at the same time,,, needless to say our masts and spreaders clashed.

When the stick was pulled and set on blocks in a neutral position, a definate thwartship long curve could be seen.

The yard workers called it "a set bend", and said that it had to be replaced. I wrote to this forum, for answers, and consulted many sources, the opinion of many was that the mast could be straightened,,,,, someone said that many masts that are extruded come slightly bent from the factory anyway !

As long as the tube is not kinked or rippled, and normal shroud tuning can straighten out the bend, you need not fear to use it .

Douglas

[Water Dog]

Sorry your boat went thru the Tsunami. But, I imagine being so close to such great loss of life, you might feel lucky to be alive and helping others.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm going to be collecting more info and examining the mast for ripples and kinks, but it looks like everything might be A-OK.

Thanks, Douglas

Joe the Waterdog