Repair & maintenance: laser top mast

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laser top mast

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11032
Printed Date: 14 May 25 at 9:47am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: laser top mast

Posted By: ian.r.mcdonald
Subject: laser top mast
Date 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?

Replies:

Posted By: deadrock
Date 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.

Posted By: jeffers
Date 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.

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: ian.r.mcdonald
Date 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!