Mast Inspection - Checklist

Wiki
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Even though it’s currently 16 degrees out, my thoughts briefly turned to Spring (and cleaning the snow blower), and how we might use the wiki to address some recurring questions.

I came across this in the archives and thought that we could start discussions on commissioning topics like mast inspection, mast base inspection and maintenance, mast joint inspection (there is some good stuff available in Google).

After a discussion thread(s), we could rework the topics into articles and checklists - with pictures - and keep them handy.

Here is a starting point that I found in this topic (thank you John). What can we add / expand / clarify? Maybe some of these will spin-off into their own articles.

Mast Inspection Checklist

John Barbour - Nature 26U Toronto

Mar 5, 2023, 11:56:45 AM

I got this good list of suggested mast work from somewhere.

Mast work suggestions

  1. Halyard Sheaves, turning blocks on mast - check for play, smooth
    operation, lube at least, replace/rework as needed. top and bottom, same for choker blocks. New halyard as needed.
  2. Ensure mast head is well attached.
  3. Windex Install, any wind instrument check/renew
  4. Topping lift replacement
  5. Inspect all pad eye bolts and replace if in doubt (not a lot of fun
    drilling them out)
  6. Rewire electrical if in doubt (lights, light fittings, too)
  7. Mast joint: new bolts in all the holes with threaded backing, rivets
    in all the blind holes, through bolts (Mike Quill) for 3/4 special
    through bolts. Inspect for cracks.
  8. check mast track for loose fasteners / bent rails, redo as needed.
    Strong/Tides track if you are feeling spendy
  9. Renew boom hangers and pad eyes on boom - Garhauer can make you much
    better pad eyes than stock for $40 each.
  10. Check boom welded brackets if early style - strip, blast, grind out
    and reweld as needed, re-anodize
  11. Verify/rework boom mainsheet attachment and topping lift attachment
    if needed
  12. Verify attachment and repair as needed for mast reefing block
    bracket just above deck
  13. New mast boot (Mike Quill) need to put on while mast is out or cut it
    to get it around the mast, new super large clamps to seal boot
  14. Review and replace as needed mast wedges or use Spartite epoxy
    system.
  15. Inspect mast retention pin hole near deck for elongation, cracking,
    (if there is one). don’t use this pin method to restrain mast - it’s at the highest stress point.
  16. Ensure all plywood/glass bulkheads boxing mast in hull are in good
    shape, no delamination, no water damage, repair as needed.
  17. Get into chain locker while mast is out, do any bow deck
    fitting/cleat/stanchion/pulpit/windlass work with mast out / it’s near
    impossible to access with mast back in. (maybe another checklist - things to check while the mast is down). Also see Mast bolts maintenance
  18. Check base under mast for water damage, soft spots, repair with
    fiberglass as needed. Redo set screw bolts in mast base as needed, ensure there’s a proper drainage path from base, ensure mast bottom end is clean,
    well installed and with drain hole (my mast had 3’ of water in it)
  19. ensure mast has appropriate retention strap to boat to prevent
    lifting in upset. (and install it when mast goes back in)
  20. Many recommend 4Gauge or heavier (eg 2 Gauge) lightening grounding
    wire bolted to mast and to keel bolts

John Barbour
Nature 26 U
Toronto

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Nonsuch_mast_inspection.pdf (236.6 KB)

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OWNERS MANUAL - Nonsuch 22

46.1

MAST AND RIGGING MAINTENANCE

The mast and rigging is the one item on your NONSUCH 22 which, for several reasons, should receive careful attention. Whereas much of the rest of the boat is easily accessed during the season, any gear requiring attention on the mast may be difficult or impossible to reach. This is compounded by the danger and inconvenience which can result from failure of any structural components. Most rigging failures are the result of parts wearing out or fatiguing, either of which can be detected before a complete failure occurs.

Unlike the conventional rig with which most of us are familiar, it is the mast tube on a Nonsuch, rather than the shrouds, which is responsible for keeping the rig standing. It is the mast, therefore, which must be examined for structural problems.

It is to encourage a thurough annual structural inspection that Hinterhoeller Yachts Limited insists that boats be stored with the mast down. Following the steps outlined below, please spend the time every spring to help make your season trouble-free.

1. Mast

  • Inspect every hole in the mast from eye level when standing on deok to the very bottom of the mast tube for fatigue cracks. If any are found,call the factory for advice.

  • Any fittings in the above mentioned areas should be removed to allow the inspection.

2. Mast Heel

  • Inspect that all fasteners are tight.

  • Inspect Lug for signs of fatigue or wear.

3. Topping Lift

  • Check wire for broken strands

  • Check for corrosion under vinyl cover

  • Check end fittings for wear

  • Check Nicro-Press fittings for slippage

  • Check attachment points on both mast and wishbone for wear.
  • Replace distorted shackles.

4. Fittings

  • check welds for cracks

  • dissimilar metals can cause corrosion check under all hardware for signs of corrosion. The fitting can be replaced after sealing the metal with5200 sealer. Use “Loc-Tite” to re-bed the fasteners

5. Halyards

  • Inspect all halyards and other running rigging for signs of wear.

  • check that all sheaves at the masthead are free wheeling. Grooves indicate that they are not spinning freely. Lubricate sheaves with metal bushings.

6. Electrical

  • Check contacts for corrosion.

  • Check wiring insulation for abrasion at point of exit from mast.

  • With a 12 volt battery, check lights.

7. Sail Track

  • Check for nicks or dings.

  • Check for loose rivets. This can be done by tapping a Phillips screwdriver into the rivet head. If the rivet can be turned, it should be replaced with a monel rivet.

  • Check that machine screws at mast joint are tight. Re-bed using “Loc-Tite”. If machine screws are sheared, additional 1/4" long #10-24 stainless steel machine screws can be fastened at intermediate locations.

  • Lubricate track with teflon spray

  • Check that back-up pad is secured to mast.

8. Mast Joint-Check barrel bolts for tightness.

9. Wax - Clean with soap and water.

NOTE: A magnifying glass or a die penetrant can be used to help detect fatigue cracks.

Hinterhoeller Yachts

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