Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Our 1983 C-25 standard rig mast has a dent right where the boom slider is. The boom doesn't slide up the mast because the slide is now pinched. Not sure how the dent was made, but I noticed it penetrated enough to create a small crack. The boat is now at a boat yard getting keel maintenance and other spring prep work. I am going to ask the experts to assess the mast intergrity. Meanwhile if it does turn out the mast is questionable, where should I be looking for a replacement?
If it turns out you need to replace the mast, you could try searching for, and advertising for, a used one in good condition. There were thousands of these boats built, and every now and then one is declared a total loss.
If the dent in your mast is only in the luff groove, and doesn't extend into the tube wall of the extrusion, it might not significantly compromise mast column strength, and might be repairable. Try to have the damage evaluated by one or more of the most experienced a sailboat riggers you can find in your area.
A 'pinched' luff groove can be re-opened by careful use of an appropriately sized hardwood 'slug' with a tapered end. Insert in the groove up in an un damaged section and drive through the pinched section with a hammer.
As to the other damage that might be present in your mast, can't say if it's critical or not.
heck out Yachtworld -- there was a 25 in MA that was an insurance total or close to total that was for sail at @$1,500 bet you could get it for less, Also, check with Catalina or Ctalina Direct. Possibly all you need is the mast extrusion.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Cate</i> <br />Our 1983 C-25 standard rig mast has a dent right where the boom slider is. The boom doesn't slide up the mast because the slide is now pinched. Not sure how the dent was made, but I noticed it penetrated enough to create a small crack. The boat is now at a boat yard getting keel maintenance and other spring prep work. I am going to ask the experts to assess the mast intergrity. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Good news. I had the mast inspected and it turns out the dent is on the outside of the track and not near the core. We are still not sure what caused it, but some gentle wedging should open up the track so the boom will slide. Big sigh of relief here.
A small hole drilled at the end of the crack might be needed to stop it from continuing. I would keep an eye one it. If it continues to migrate, I would drill a small hole to stop it.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.