Like everything else on the boat, the mast needs a little updating also. This boat sails really well but to go downwind efficiently we need some more equipment, namely a spinnaker and a pole to hold the sails out so the light winds can fill them. We lucked into a stellar deal on the whisker pole at the used boat parts store. It was only $250 instead of $2500 new. Sure it needs a little cleanup but that’s easy.
To store and use the pole we need to install a track on the front of the mast that the pole will slide on. This is another install that sounds easy but is a pain in the ass. We had to drill and tap like 25 holes in the aluminum mast. It took a few hours but we finally managed it!
We still need to install the pulleys and lines that will hold the whisker pole in place but that’s a chunk of work complete.
(((More on mast track))))
The original wiring from the mast to the hull went straight down the front and through individual little openings. Those weren’t sealed at all and we already pulled the wires out and repaired the rotten floor. When we put the mast wiring back in we’re going to redo how the wires are routed so that they don’t get chafed and damaged by the lines rubbing on the front of the mast. I found this neat fitting that mounts on the deck and the lines go through the side and then down through the hull. It should fix all of our problems entirely!
We put the finishing touches on the mast like the new wind instruments and static dissipator and the cat.
When the boat was moved into the water, Kyle used the travel lift crane and put our boom back on the boat and we were back in business!
