Straightening a Mast

[Seapup]

Had a Mac 22 buddy meeting me on the water call and say he had an problem...caught a shroud on the way out of the marina. It pulled the spreader straight back and bent the mast into an S shape with extreme tension on one side and the other hanging slack. It didn't look good but wasn't kinked. I had doubts but being optimistic said we could probably fix it. We went back early this morning and took the mast off to give it a try. I think to amusement and slight disappointment of the live aboard skeptics we used a bench to straighten it and were out on the water and sailing by 9am

[Crikey]

Had a Mac 22 buddy meeting me on the water call and say he had an problem...caught a shroud on the way out of the marina. It pulled the spreader straight back and bent the mast into an S shape with extreme tension on one side and the other hanging slack. It didn't look good but wasn't kinked. I had doubts but being optimistic said we could probably fix it. We went back early this morning and took the mast off to give it a try. I think to amusement and slight disappointment of the live aboard skeptics we used a bench to straighten it and were out on the water and sailing by 9am

Seapup, if you get a chance talk to a mast-type-dude and ask whether a little propane torch re-annealing on the location of the bend might prove beneficial. I would think that spot would be weakened due to the bending and the subsequent straightening.
Maybe you could bring in a carpenter for the bench seat at the same time!

[md80max]

Wow, nice job repairing it. This event is one of my worst nightmares as a new sailboat owner. As I was raising the mast the first time just a couple of days ago of all things, the boat ramp at the marina that I rented a slip has power lines above it. In order to be in a position not to keep ramp occupied any longer than necessary, I had the mast in position ready to raise and then very slowly backed down the concrete ramp. The ramp had some bumps in it and as I slowly rolled over them I was keeping an eye on the mast given that most of it was hanging past the support at the helm. I was thinking to myself if that mast bends, could you even find another and how much would it be if I could find it? Which brings me to my question. If a mast gets damaged beyond repair, can they be found and how much would one cost?

Luckily, mine is ok but given how much the thing flexes, it brought concern.

[Tomfoolery]

Luckily, mine is ok but given how much the thing flexes, it brought concern.

Don't worry about the flexing. Aluminium is only about 1/3 as stiff as steel, so in general things made of aluminium tend to be rather flexy.

I raise and lower the mast in my slip. I don't even move it from the bow rail until I'm on the water, as I don't want it sticking way out there until necessary. The baby stays keep the mast in check when raising/lowering, and there's no part of the operation that requires access from the ground (water?). And I usually do it alone - there's no part of the operation that requires 'help', and I'm usually better off without 'help'.

[md80max]

Tom,

It was my first time to raise the mast since I purchased this boat a week ago and I agree with you, I think I'd been better off to wait til I was in the slip and just raise and or lower it there.

Thanks for the input!