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Hi,
If anyone has information regarding what is involved in changing over from a wood mast to an aluminum one I would appreciate some insight
The vessel is a Mao Ta 36 deck stepped mast
Should be a simple matter of finding/ordering a replacement mast and attendant standing rigging, take one out and put the other in.. You may need to modify the step somewhat, but other than that I'd think you'd maybe save some weight aloft (how much depends on how the wooden mast was built), and you'll reduce your maintenance every year.
Seems to me you could go taller, more sail etc - your righting moment would change significantly with the weight aloft dropping.
Your center of effort /balance fore and aft would not change so any sail plan change would still have to remain true to that.
I take it you bought the 1981 you were showing/discussing elsewhere?
If you are going new maybe the mfg. could help with the rigging . If not you need a rigger anyway . If it were me I would look at some salvage yards . In So Cal. we have some good ones . Riggers too . Where are you?
(ChucklesR) I thought about going higher also, would I have to ditch my current roller furling head sails to get it to balance? I would like to avoid that.
no mine is a 1978 and don't recall discussing an 81, but I guess I could have.
(Markwesti) I don't believe it would be in the budget to go new. Why do I need a rigger?
You wouldn't if you are one . But I kind of have a feeling your not , no slight my friend , I'm not one either . You will need a rigger because you will need all new rigging . If you decide to go taller on your mast you will a rigger to tell you how much taller . No disrespect to any one on your post here but there is much more to it than saying I need to go x higher . Trust me the N/A who decided what rig to put on your boat was working from a formula . If I may make a suggestion , Talk to some (a) rigger tell him what you want to do . He might all ready have a used mast , I know mine does .
Here's a site that gives you an idea what the different extrusion sizes and profiles are, you can also estimate what it would cost you new. It is sometimes hard to judge the value of a used mast (or anything) if you are unsure what a new one would be. Also helpful are pictures of various steps and other mast parts. https://www.dwyermast.com/families.asp?cat1ID=20&cat1Name=Masts
(Markwesti) and (capttb)
As far as a new mast goes I am actually surprised at the cost of new (cheaper than I thought) however Dwyer is unable to get the larger extrusion and is unsure of when it might be available. Any suggestions of other manufactures?
(Markwesti)
You are correct in your assumption that I am not a rigger. However I have worked with it (replacing and fabricating) on towers, boats, and high end homes (structural and architectural). I figure I can replace the wire and fittings myself, I might be wrong but I think a lot of people re-rig who are not riggers.
As far as going taller its just a thought, as is going aluminum. I could end up keeping the wood stick.
I don't really know any riggers that are N/A's and don't really see the comparison. I have had some short conversations with a N/A.
Hi ,county . Man I don't know you kind of sound like a rigger to me . MarioG I like your work!
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