Spartite

[reignmaker]

On our 'new' boat, the PO had a new rig installed. Problem is that whoever did the installation set the mast with a forward rake, then proceeded to set it in Spartite.

I need to reset the rig with the rake aft, and of course the Spartite consumes the entire collar with precision, i.e. no room to move...Now I could set the rake as a bend in the mast at the deck, but I'm not keen on loading the mast that much, as I probably have to move aft about 8-10" or more.

So, how in the world does one remove Spartite...I know its gonna be messy, I tried saws, etc. but this stuff it really tough???

Steve

[tommays]

They were suppose to use the mold release as it has to come out when you step the mast

[KindOfBlue]

I would imagine that a multi master tool with the fine saw blade attachment would cut right through it with precision.

[sailingfool]

I've trimmed it before with a razor knife, if I was trying to remove the ring, I'd try cutting it with a sharp box cutter.

I'd be triple-sure that you know better than the PO how the rig should be setup before removing the ring, as its a pain to do over...and its hard to understand how a rig could be set up so far from "correct".

[reignmaker]

Originally Posted by tommays

They were suppose to use the mold release as it has to come out when you step the mast

They did, and the mast is out, problem is cutting, shaving, removing this stuff to achieve the required rake..any ideas

[reignmaker]

Originally Posted by sailingfool

I've trimmed it before with a razor knife, if I was trying to remove the ring, I'd try cutting it with a sharp box cutter.

I'd be triple-sure that you know better than the PO how the rig should be setup before removing the ring, as its a pain to do over...and its hard to understand how a rig could be set up so far from "correct".

SF,
Oh I think I know how they managed to do it...it was done in the Islands! By a 'Professional' yard. I have tried sawzall, hacksaw, knife....1/2 hr yielded basically little results...haven't tried a chisel yet, should sharpen a few and give it a whack.

Steve

[sailor50]

The release agent is Vaseline and it is applied to the partners for any future mast removal. Have you called Spartite to see what they recommend?

[hellosailor]

A sawzall or a hot knife. You wouldn't trim it and rebuild it, you'd slice right down to the mast, pull it off, and start fresh. A coarse belt sander might also do it, if it didn't load up too badly.

[L124C]

Use a sawzall with a metal cutting blade. A "Finetool (sp?)" (or one of the dozens of knock offs) would probably do it as well. A VERY handy tool to have BTW, cuts most materials, sands, etc. with precision.

Edit: The more I think about this, the Finetool probably isn't the tool for the job. However, I would be amazed if the Sawzall with a good, fine tooth, "thick" metal cutting blade wouldn't cut it. I'm a Carpenter, and I've cut everything from thick fiberglass and re-bar to 1/4 inch steel with this set up. One trick with a Sawzall is to keep the base of the tool against the material when possible. This stabilizes the tool and generally makes it much more effective. It's what the base is designed for, but many people don't use it. For some reason, it's not intuitive. Often, we flip the blade upside down to obtain better access. An example might be as you get closer to the mast (it gets the handle out of the way). It might take a couple of blades, but I bet you'll get through the Spartite. If not, contact Spartite via their Website, and ask them. I found their customer service pretty good. Let us know what they say!

[L124C]

Originally Posted by reignmaker

Oh I think I know how they managed to do it...it was done in the Islands! By a 'Professional' yard.
Steve

Yikes!!!, Makes some of the Marine "professionals" I've dealt with sound, well.....professional! How did the boat sail? I assume no Weather Helm, to be sure!