Athwartship S Bend in Mast

[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