Was just reading Caerus posting about snapping a shroud and suffering deck damage at the mast step. I had a similar event last weekend - my starboard side shroud snapped and of course the mast went over to port. I had recently installed a Hobie mast float so there was no threat of losing the mast totally, and we were able to recover the sail and mainsheet without problem. Also we got a tow to shallow water and I walked it back to the dock.
However, unlike the other stories I have read, I did not suffer any damage to the deck. Both ears of the mast step completely bent over, and the through bolt holding the mast base tore the aluminum mast. Not repairable I think. I've attached a photo.
So, has anyone ever heard of shortening the mast?? Seems like I could simply cut off about 5 inches, re-drill a through hole at the mast base, and reposition the shroud attachment pts. The boom would be 5" lower, but seems like it might be doable. Am I overlooking something? I'm sure a purist would never consider it, but I just sail a few times during the summer. So do I have to buy a new mast?
Like the other stories I read on this forum, my failed shroud had a brownish look at the failure site - rust. Where does one buy replacement parts - shrouds and, if needed, a mast?
However, unlike the other stories I have read, I did not suffer any damage to the deck. Both ears of the mast step completely bent over, and the through bolt holding the mast base tore the aluminum mast. Not repairable I think. I've attached a photo.
So, has anyone ever heard of shortening the mast?? Seems like I could simply cut off about 5 inches, re-drill a through hole at the mast base, and reposition the shroud attachment pts. The boom would be 5" lower, but seems like it might be doable. Am I overlooking something? I'm sure a purist would never consider it, but I just sail a few times during the summer. So do I have to buy a new mast?
Like the other stories I read on this forum, my failed shroud had a brownish look at the failure site - rust. Where does one buy replacement parts - shrouds and, if needed, a mast?