Important Information for Laser Sailors
by Jonathan Langford, Noble Marine 16 Jun 2003 09:26 BST
At Noble Marine, we have noticed an increasing number of mast posts failing on Lasers built prior to sail number 100,000. These boats are approximately 20 years old and care must be taken to ensure that when the mast step wears, it is repaired before it gets to a point of failure or weakness.
Damage of this nature is classed as wear and tear and therefore would not be covered by your insurance policy. The cost of repairing this damage is often more than the value of the boat.
A simple mast post repair now, can easily avoid far worse damage in the future. Your local Laser supplier may be able to assist with this preventative action or for further advice please contact Adrian Gilkes of Glass Fibre Solutions on 07791 370863.
It is also good practice, for boats of all ages, to ensure that the mast post is kept clean, free of sand/grit and the end plug is changed regularly. The hull should also be allowed to breathe and dry out between sailing by the simple act of removing the bung on the transom of the boat when ashore, or fitting a small hatch at the front of the cockpit.
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