Mast Wedges N30U

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1

I might have a problem,

Southpaw, Steve & Paula’s former vessel, was just delivered by truck to The Chesapeake for Joyce and I.
We will be sailing her to Noank Ct where we have a slip in Spicers Marina.
The rigger here missed my instruction to just drop the wedges in and I would set them up.
They did not allow me on deck or in the area of, might fall, so I went to take pics.

YOU GUESSED IT!

I returned just in time to witness the driving in of wedge #12.
They drove all 12 right in until they bottomed out on the collar.
The wedges seem to be the whitish nylon, pretty hard.

SO

Did this damage the Mast?
Did this damage the Collar?

I could ignore it and just sail her for five years.
I would be happy to do this if that would not cause further damage.
It is all a question of how much spring there is in the three components
If they ever loosen I would know there was severe damage.

OTHERWISE

I could challenge the yard now and probably lose out on 2025 sailing.
At the very least It would take me another week to undo and redo canvas sail and electronics.
PLUS
The week or three it would take the yard to pull and inspect everything.
I would not like to give up on any claims I might have against the yard.
I do not wish to lose the 2025 season.

If the best suggestion, I could accomplish on my own, is to is to:

  1. Pull the wedges
  2. Feel the mast for fairness
  3. Tap the wedges back in
    How could I pull the wedges?
    How far from bottoming should the wedges finish up?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Fran/Joyce Cichowski “Southpaw” 1985 N30U 904 772 4712 captfran1@gmail.com

2

I believe there is probably an ideal depth for the wedges, but I know they are all a little different. When I purchased a new set of nylon wedges, the instructions said to trim the thickness of each wedge to fit. Our wedges go almost all the way in but others i’ve seen only go in half way. Did you speak with the previous owner to see how far they went in last year? It’s hard to imagine that a reputable yard would drive the wedges in so far as to damage the mast.
You can try prying gently with a screwdriver, but if they are tight you will have to drive them up from below with a hammer and a hardwood dowel

I hope it works out
Bill Kroes
NS36 #24
“Canatara”
Sarnia yacht Club
Lower lake Huron

3

Normally they are tapped in a little bit at a time. Are the 4 set bolts installed in the base shoe?

4

Sorry about the last reply post non signature as I was using my cellphone.

Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA

5

Hi,

If you are an INA member, you can get a free consultation with Mike Quill on this mast matter. See how to connect with Mike on the INA website (www.nonsuch.org).

If you are not yet an INA member… then please join!

Cheers,

Don

’87 NS30U #369 – Breezin’

Vancouver, BC