how concerned should I be about these dents in the mast?

[GC20Squid]

I'm looking at a boat to buy (Bristol 24), and it seems to be in pretty decent overall shape for the price. There is some cosmetic issues I'll have to work in, but it seems to have been pretty well maintained otherwise.

The only thing I see that causes me any concern, and this is due to my complete lack of experience on the subject, is these dents in the mast near the base. The current owner doesn't know how they were caused, but says he has owned the boat for five years and never had any trouble with the mast. He also said his sailing experience aboard the boat have all been in "good" conditions, though.

Should I let this and the potential cost of replacing it deter me from buying this boat? it's a great deal otherwise. Or is this mainly a cosmetic issue? i just keep having these visions of how strong a soda can is in compression... until you dent the side of it!

Here's a picture:

[TQA]

Bad news first those are deep enough to cause a significant loss of strength.

Good news is that if you are going to have dents that is the best place to have them. I think the stick will be OK as it is BUT it would be an easy fix as the access through the base is good and an internal sleeve could be added.

I would not let anyone weld patches on though.

[DwayneSpeer]

Is the boat being offered at a give away price?

Since you will never really know whether or not the dents have seriously weakened the mast why take the chance? You will worry about it for a long time if not forever.

[Zanshin]

I would consult a surveyor and get a professional opinion on this safety-related question if I were in your shoes.

[JimsCAL]

Those dents are not trivial. A repair should be possible, but I would get a quote before proceeding.