Quick Single Season Mast Paint Job

[BrickPearson26]

I have a 37' Gulfstar that has a painted aluminum mast that is sorely in need of a new paint job. The 50' mast was painted about 8 years ago and now has a great many chips and cracks. Unfortunately I've got innumerable other projects that must be done on the boat before her mid-May launch date.

I've read a fair amount about aluminum mast refits, and it appears that doing this job properly is going to take all of a weekend if the weather is right for it. If the weather does not cooperate, it will take even longer. Now given all of the other projects that I think should be completed on the boat beforehand (and the fact that I just want to get the boat in the water), I am considering doing a "quick" paint job on the mast. This "quick" paint job is only intended to last for this season (which is not too long in Maine). It principle purpose is to limit any corrosion that might happen to the aluminum. Next year I will have more time to do the mast the right way.

I was thinking that I will sand down the poor areas of the mast to bare aluminum, rub some vinegar on it, and then paint it with and oil based paint, like X-O Rust.

Do you think that this will last for a season?
Do you think it will keep the aluminum well protected?

[Barquito]

Would it be better short term solution to sand all the nicks and scratches, thus exposing the aluminum to oxygen, and letting it form a natural aluminum dioxide protective layer (someone tell me if I am getting this chemistry wrong)? The really nasty corrosion occurs UNDER the paint adjacent to areas that have been exposed to air. A quickie, unprepped paint job will just create little anaerobic pockets of corrosion.

Downside: will make your stick look like a**

[zz4gta]

Want a quick job that'll be easy to get off next year, rattle can. Cheapo spray paint.

[JimsCAL]

I've used Pettit Easypoxy and was happy with the results. Much harder and more durable than the typical enamel and cheaper and easier to apply than 2-part polyurethane.

[treilley]

When you are interested in doing it right, check out my repaint project.

Mast Repaint

[mike dryver]

just chip it off and let it go for a next year project or for the fall when the boat comes out. which hull no. do you have we have 141 in Newburyport regards Mike

[RichH]

Rustoleum, spray cans. Will last at least a few seasons.

[BrickPearson26]

Thanks for the advice - It looks like i'll sand the problem areas of the mast and then paint with XO Rust or Rustoleum Paint.
I actually know of a few guys who paint their entire boats with XO Rust. It looks pretty good, lasts a couple of seasons, and is far cheaper than any marine paints.