laser top mast

   I have an old laser- the top mast is (I assume) the original in good condition. It has two rivets on the collar which I assume is the original design.

should I "end to end" it to allow me just to use one aft rivet?- or am I ok just to leave alone? 

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ian.r.mcdonald Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Feb 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 440	Post Options Post Reply Quote ian.r.mcdonald Report Post Quote Reply Topic: laser top mast Posted: 12 Aug 13 at 10:47am
	I have an old laser- the top mast is (I assume) the original in good condition. It has two rivets on the collar which I assume is the original design. should I "end to end" it to allow me just to use one aft rivet?- or am I ok just to leave alone?

deadrock Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 24 Jun 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 85	Post Options Post Reply Quote deadrock Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 13 Aug 13 at 8:15am
	Two rivets, probably quite an old top-section. There's a point of view that if it's lasted this long it's going to last some time more, but as you don't know its history I'd be wary of using it with a new-ish sail. The most likely time you'll know it's near to breaking is just after it snaps. With two opposing rivets it's probably best to end-for-end it. Common sense (and the ILCA Rules) require you to seal each of the old holes (now at the top of the mast) with a rivet, to keep the top-section relatively watertight. Just taping over the holes doesn't satisfy the ILCA Rules. However, an end-for-ended top-section is still likely to take in water during a total inversion, because the inverted top of the mast is under an additional pressure of about 8 p.s.i. Taping over the riveted hole is a useful preventative. Edited by deadrock - 13 Aug 13 at 5:16pm

jeffers Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 29 Mar 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3048	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeffers Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 13 Aug 13 at 9:26am
	The above is good advice. I end for ended my old top section and it was as good as new and still going strong.
	Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74

ian.r.mcdonald Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Feb 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 440	Post Options Post Reply Quote ian.r.mcdonald Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 13 Aug 13 at 2:16pm
	have ordered the rivets today. was about to order an new sail and after so long out of the boat had forgotten the effect of a mast breaking on the sail itself THANKS GUYS!