Mast Support

  • July 25, 2022 11:28 AM
    Message # 12860464
    Deleted user

    I am considering the purchase of a Westsail 28 that needs the mast support under the floorboards replaced. Symptoms are deck crazing and sagging cabin top.  I'm interested to know if anyone  an share their experience with this.  Could I do it myself? Cost at a boatyard? If this has been addressed in another thread kindly point me in that direction. I could not find it.

    Thanks,

    Dave Hauge

  • July 25, 2022 3:39 PM
    Reply # 12860830 on 12860464

    Hi Dave,

    I believe if you check the facebook Westsail site a member named Martin Burs addressed this issue on his W28. 

    I have posted a video on YouTube (Westsail28 Starwhite) of modifications I have made to the compression posts on the W28's that I have owned.  Video #14 in the series

    Welcome (almost) to the Westsail family!


    Kevin

  • July 26, 2022 8:57 AM
    Reply # 12862747 on 12860464
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Kevin: Thanks for the content on your YT channel... 

    Jay

  • July 26, 2022 10:44 AM
    Reply # 12862911 on 12860464

    Dave , have you seen the 28 in question in person ? I saw pictures of the one you are talking about (I think) and the mast base , on deck looked ok . Also the crazing that was mentioned , are gel coat cracks and that is only cosmetic . 

    I would hire a surveyor . 

    Mark .

    Last modified: July 26, 2022 11:59 AM | Anonymous member
  • August 01, 2022 4:25 AM
    Reply # 12869176 on 12860464

    greetings dave.

    i have had this problem and discussed it sometime ago probably in 2008 or 2009.  

    the mast tabernacle, which was mounted somewhat forward of the center of the compression post that supports the mast between the deck and the liner, had rotated forward somewhat, causing a dip and cracking in the deck.

    after removing the mast, i jacked up the deck a little and inserted a stainless steel "T" beam (about 2' long) to span from the compression post to the top of the forward head-door jamb.  this straightened out the deck.  i excavated all the totally rotted plywood out of the mast step and replaced it with built-up fiberglass.

    sometime later, i relocated the tabernacle about 1 1/4" aft of its original position  to bring its center more directly above the center of the compression post.

    a short compression post between the liner and the bilge (below and forward of the ice box) was bearing on plywood in front of the lead ballast. the plywood sheared off at the lead and resulted in bilge water filling the hull/ballast void. 

    i dug out most of the rotted plywood forward of the ballast (a very difficult job in view of the minimal clearance between the bilge and the liner) and replaced it with a new piece and fiberglassed over same. i then had a stainless steel shoe made to span across the bilge. and support the short (4") post below the liner.  i have not restepped the mast since this was completed, so this solution is untested.

    i can provide more details and some pictures if you think that would be helpful.  or even better, drop in and have a look the next time you are in australia.

    james templeton


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