Alloy mast heel fitting question

  • 21 Aug 2016 20:27
    Reply # 4203087 on 4201250

    Yes, there needs to be a drain hole, and there also needs to be a cable exit; these can be combined, with advantage. 

  • 21 Aug 2016 12:52
    Reply # 4202710 on 4201250

    David

     

    Does there need to be a drain hole for water from inside the mast?  

     

    Jonathan  

  • 20 Aug 2016 09:30
    Reply # 4201829 on 4201250

    3/16 monel pop rivets should be used (not aluminium) and will be much stronger than screws. Eight will be enough, they are very strong in shear loading. But if you can lift the mast and take the heel out, it would be worth cleaning the surfaces with abrasive and solvent, then coating with Sikaflex or similar to act both as an adhesive and as an anti-corrosive and sealant.

  • 19 Aug 2016 21:19
    Message # 4201250
    Deleted user

    I have a commercially made alloy mast, possibly by Needlespar. 

    The heel fitting is similar to the type found on a standard rig, i.e. it sits inside the mast, with a tenon on the bottom. This tenon is then bolted to a slot in the step.

    When I bought the boat the heel was not fixed in any way to the mast itself, (an attempt had been made to screw it in place but all the screws had sheared off).

    There was a lot of movement at this point, and the mast being unstayed was presumably free to twist or even jump off the step. (The heel seems to extend only about an inch into the mast).

    I have added some pop rivets through the mast but I am dubious as to the strength of this arrangement. Does anyone have any advice?


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