Mast Repair

[Bakker26]

I have a Bakke 26 (Maxiracer 26)with a bent mast. Does anyone know if or how to repair one?
I think the mast comes from a company called Witco from Oslo and was purchased around 1981.
Would appreciate any advice I can get.

[moleraceren]

well, i think once bent = always bent..... the material has been stressed and even though one is able to somehow get the thing straight again the stress has weakened the material.

I wouldn't dare sailing with it - for sure not in rough weather..

Regards

Henrik

[Anders S]

Cheapest likely repair: Used mast, similar dimensions, cut down to size. Remake end fittings, preferably lower end (where wear&tear is most likely).

Alternative repair: Cut mast at bend and scarph it with the same profile aluminium extrusion. A doubler piece can be made from a split mast extrusion piece and put inside the old mast. Only possible if you have the same extrusion available, not likely. Pop rivet the scarph, dimension around 100 cm both sides the cut. Backside: The mast will be somewhat shorter (say, 20 cm), which can be adjusted with a oak or similar strength block below the mast foot.

[Bakker26]

Thanks Anders for your advice
I have managed to find out that it is a Forshaga Mast and they apparently went out of production in the late 80's.
Also heard from another source that you can secure an aluminium pipe on the inside of the mast after removing the damaged section.
Anyone heard of this method, as I would be very interested to get any advice I can.
I am also interested in purchasing a second hand boom. Where can I find one of those?

[Anders S]

BAsically, thats my second method, and it has been used as a production method for long masts. Usually, a doubler piece (tube) is fabricated from the same extrusion as the mast, but with the mainsail track cut off. This part fits nicely and snugly inside the mast profile and is pop riveted in place (40-60 rivets or so). You may see that kind of build on semi old, larger masts, where the anodizing bath never was long enough for really long masts. It's imperative that the inside tube fits snugly into the outer tube with this technique. Any old tube will not do! A piece of aluminum sheet metal of appropriate thickness can perhaps be adapted (formed, rolled) to fit the inside?