A really bad day!

[rawsonnut]

Well the story is that we had a direct hit by an F4 tornado (200 mph winds) on our marina here in central Oklahoma. Our boat was still afloat but the masts were down when we got there a few minutes later. [IMG][/IMG]We immediately when into salvage mode to stop any further damage until ordered out by the lake patrol. We then spent several days arguing with the powers that be about the fact they had determined by helicopter that all 200+ sailboats were totaled. They then told us we could get any thing off we wanted when they pulled them on shore with a bulldozer and cable. On Saturday approx. 75 boat owners showed up and told the park rangers and lake patrol that they couldn't stop us and we went in and got as many of the boats out that we could. Some are still trapped in the wreckage of the covered part of the marina.
Now for my question. My boat is a Rawson 30 ketch with spruce masts and booms. The main was snapped in half but everything else will be alright with some sanding and new varnish. I need suggestions on repair or replacement of the main. When I called the local specialty wood dealers and asked about spruce the just laughed. Please, no suggestions of switching to metal. It would ruin the look of the boat.[IMG][/IMG]
This is a picture of her on a much better day!!This is the first time I have tried to post pictures. I hope I did it right.

[MMR]

Arrrgh! You have my deepest sympathies!

[DwayneSpeer]

I agree, switching to metal masts would talk away a lot of the look and feel of her.

I think I'd try contacting a few logging companies here in the Pacific Northwest. I bet you can get what you need but you should be prepared to pay a premium for it. There still is some old spruce to be had but the special handling and shipping are gonna cost ya.

I did a quick search in the net for spruce logs and got a lot of hits.

So where were you exactly? I grew up in Ardmore and spend many hours on Lake Murray and Lake Texoma.

[bljones]

You might want to hit up the woodenboat forum for info. I hope you get her back in the water soon.

The WoodenBoat Forum

[Gene T]

That is really sad, good for you in getting the boat out of there. I would guess you could fix the mast. They are usually made up of pieces anyway. I don't see why spruce would be that difficult to source. Somebody will have some.

Good luck with your project.

Gene

[rawsonnut]

Were are (were) on Lake Thunderbird near Norman OK. Thanks for the suggestions and keep them coming. Most to the spruce I have found on the net so far has been small pieces for aircraft builders.

[Gene T]

Spruce Lumber from Conex Forest Products

[mitiempo]

Sitka Spruce used for masts, straight and clear, will be very expensive. Lesser spruce won't work near as well.

[Faster]

Major bummer! (but your pictures are great!)

Agree that you're going to have problems finding clear Sitka spruce.. wish I had more help for you but it seems that our area of the woods (PNW) would be as good a place to start as any.

Maybe try to track down an existing used mast that could be refurbished and made to work?

[rawsonnut]

You are right, I didn't make myself clear. The mast is Stika Spruce. It was approx 38 feet and was made up of 24 foot boards to stager the joints. Grain was straight as a string and not a knot any were.