Bad start to season: Broken mast

[Seapup]

Its really not too bad. Shim it on to stand on edge and put good tension at the ends and it will stay put. Twist up the tie down straps and it keeps them from humming on the highway. My rack is only about 3' long.

[Retcoastie]

Just curious. Are you getting an X or an M mast? I thought X masts were no longer available. It would be good news if they are.

Good luck.

Ken

[seahouse]

Hey RJ!

Replacing the mast with the same thing again (ie a new one) could very well result in the same thing happening again under similar circumstances. Improper drilling of the holes can also predispose the mast to failure in that area.

If the goal is peace of mind, welding it would make that area the strongest area along the mast. Simply putting an aluminum sleeve or collar inside before welding would make the area where the holes are drilled thicker and stronger. I assume the damage was confined to just that area shown.

You can settle for new or you can have better than new!

Assuming the resources are available to you(?)

- Brian.

[RJG 26S]

Its really not too bad. Shim it on to stand on edge and put good tension at the ends and it will stay put. Twist up the tie down straps and it keeps them from humming on the highway. My rack is only about 3' long.

After reading Robert B's post, I was planning on sucking up the extra gas and driving the boat. The way you show it, it does not look that bad. Decisions, decisions

[RJG 26S]

Just curious. Are you getting an X or an M mast? I thought X masts were no longer available. It would be good news if they are.

Good luck.

Ken

Ken, I am getting an X mast. New mast, spreaders, upper and lower shrouds, forestay, mast foot, and a rigging tension gauge for just over one boat buck.

Bob

[RJG 26S]

Hey RJ!

Replacing the mast with the same thing again (ie a new one) could very well result in the same thing happening again under similar circumstances. Improper drilling of the holes can also predispose the mast to failure in that area.

If the goal is peace of mind, welding it would make that area the strongest area along the mast. Simply putting an aluminum sleeve or collar inside before welding would make the area where the holes are drilled thicker and stronger. I assume the damage was confined to just that area shown.

You can settle for new or you can have better than new!

Assuming the resources are available to you(?)

- Brian.

Hi Brian,

I agree that a skilled welder attaching reinforcements could make the mast stronger in the area that broke. I am convinced that had I adjusted my shrouds so they were tight rather than loose and sloppy like mine were, the mast would have been properly supported, would not have bowed and would still be in one piece. I was looking right at the mast when it broke. It was probably deflected 4-6" in the middle right before it snapped. Tough lesson learned, all the parts have a purpose.

Bob

[RJG 26S]

Mission accomplished! An easy ride on the Rav 4.

The Admiral was quite pleased, by not hauling the boat to transport the mast, we were able to go to Ikea before picking up the mast.

[Catigale]

Nicely done....I'm sure there were some interesting stares on the road...

[c130king]

Too bad the Forum doesn't have a "Like" button like on FB...

"Like"...

[RobertB]

Have you considered jousting?

[Seapup]

Looks good, Glad to hear the trip was safe.

Were you able to get the mast predrilled from BWY?

[DaveB]

This is one of the times ( DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME) . You were lucky the mast didn't have wind sheer from abeam and your mast didn't break.
Putting a 2x6 12 ft. long under the mast would have supported it much more.
Dave

Mission accomplished! An easy ride on the Rav 4.

The Admiral was quite pleased, by not hauling the boat to transport the mast, we were able to go to Ikea before picking up the mast.

[mastreb]

Dave--I'm not seeing how this is much different than how the mast would be affected by a beam wind when carried on the boat? Aluminum is quite springy--it would take a heck of a lot of force to put a bend or break in it.

[DaveB]

The Mast on the M and X is not strong enough for the large amout of over hang for a 2 point support system that is 5 ft. or less between supports. Adding a 12ft. 2x6 under the mast would give much more support.
Years of experance and FL. Certified Lic. Structural building/ and Certified Building Lic., I know what am talking about.
Aluminum, steel, wood fastners are just a few things to know in my trade.
Putting a 30 ft. Mast on a suv with supports 5 ft. is not the way I would do it.
Dave

Dave--I'm not seeing how this is much different than how the mast would be affected by a beam wind when carried on the boat? Aluminum is quite springy--it would take a heck of a lot of force to put a bend or break in it.

[Catigale]

I think the danger would be is if the right combination of speed put the mast into a resonant long axis mode....that would fatigue fail it PDQ...