My mast has all kinds of fittings welded to it. Spreader brackets, winch
pads, masthead brackets, etc.

"Len" wrote in message
...
On 25 Oct 2005 01:53:40 -0700, wrote:

While recently lowering my mast it fell forwards partially pulling the
rivets out where the mast joins the bottom bracket. I think that I have
two options to repair this. One is to drilll out the rivets cut off the
botton 1cm ,or so, of the mast to a point just above the old rivets &
redrill & rivet. This will mean putting a block under the tabernackle
so that the stay/shrouds can remain the same length.
Option two is to get the bottom of the mast ally welded to repair the
damage & also attatch the bottom of the mast to the ally bracket.
Does anyone have views on the suitability of both repairs? The second
is the easier option as it will be done proffesionally.

Welding on an alu mast affects the strength of the material.
I've never seen a mast with anything welded on it.
It is just the extruded alu profile and everything else is mounted ss.
But I'm no expert so you could specifically ask an expert if I'm
right. Ask a rigger in stead of a welder.
My 2 cts is: when your shroud-tensioners can handle the difference in
length I'd use the first method you described. When you use ss rivets
you should use Duralac or some other zinc-chromate paste. You could
also use monel rivets, they are less prone to galvanic corrosion.
If your tensioners can't handle it, I'd look further to avoid welding.
Recent years a lot of heavy duty ways of connecting alu have been
introduced. Maybe you could try
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rebuiltaluminumboat/
These guys are experienced in this field and are always willing to
help.

HTH,
Len,
S/v Present