Cracks in Mast w/ Photos

[dptransom]

Thanks a million, Brion!

[dptransom]

Hi, Brion. Have you received any replies to your "feeler"? Again, I appreciate the help!

Also, I'm about to order your book, The Rigger's Apprentice. However, the word on the street is that there is a new one about to come out. Is that rumor true? If so, when? I may wait to order.

[Don Z.]

Not sure if Brion has an answer yet, but John at Eastport Spar and Rigging may be able to help:

http://www.eastportrigging.com

[dptransom]

Thanks, Don. I've actually spoken with John about these repairs - he is insistent upon welding the compression tubes.

[Brion Toss]

Hi again,
I just heard back from Steve Madden, at Madden Rigging (http://www.maddenrigging.com/). He's been out on a delivery, as well as attending a Selden workshop. So there's a good start; riggers into actual sailing, as well as ongoing education tend to be much better than ones who aren't. He agreed that welding is a bad idea, and has the sources for the appropriate bushings, and I urge you to go speak with him. Let us know how it all comes out.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[dptransom]

Brion - Thanks a million for your help on this. I've called and left a message for Steve. I'll certainly report back about how this turns out.

Thanks again!

[dptransom]

Brion - Thank you so much for the recommendation. Steve is a great guy and may be one of the most helpful gents that I've met on this refit adventure. In fact, he was the only guy willing to take a look in person.

He assessed the mast and suggests that I install a stainless steel "doughnut" around the compression post sleeves. Drilled to size the through-bolt and then epoxied and riveted to the mast. A different recommendation that the flanged bushing, but better than welding.

Sound reasonable?