Print Page | Close Window

RS800 Mast track

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=6406
Printed Date: 15 May 25 at 9:42am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: RS800 Mast track
Posted By: CurlyBen
Subject: RS800 Mast track
Date Posted: 04 Feb 10 at 5:26pm
Well it's been a little while since I've made an appearance here!
I'm about to replace the top 6" or so of mast track on my 800 (plastic track glued to the carbon mast). Has anyone done this or anything similar? My main questions are:
What's the best way to get the old track and epoxy off with? Ideas so far are chisel (not too keen on this - seems too easy to damage the mast if the chisel slips), heat torch (but worried about softening the epoxy of the mast) or a Dremel (high speed rotary tool).
What surface prep is needed? Simple wipe down with acetone or similar?
What adhesive do I need to fix the new track on with? I've heard talk of Plexus (apparently a flexible epoxy) but it seems quite expensive (£12 for the Plexus, but it requires tips and a special applicator which comes in at £50) - is this necessary for a short section?
Any advice gratefully received!
Cheers
Ben


-------------
RS800 GBR848
Weston SC



Replies:
Posted By: Demo Dave
Date Posted: 05 Feb 10 at 8:40am

Ben,

This is a repair that i have done before, as it was common in the early days of RS 800's. So the process:

  • Junior hacksaw the track where the split/damage ends
  • Using a sharpe chistle from the side of the track and at an end of the damaged part hammer away (wear glasses as the track can be brittle and will come off in tiny bits rather that a complete piece) - only work on getting the plastic track off when hammering
  • Once all of the track is off use the chistle and using it as flat against the mast as possible, scrape off the old Plexus. It will come off quite easily (this bit i always found quite satisfying)
  • sand the area to key it up and to also remove any final residue of plexus.
  • Cut a new piece of track to fit - tip: round off the ends of the track on both the mast and the replacement piece to reduce any chance of tareing the bolt rope.
  • key up/sand the new pice of track to prepare ready for sticking
  • For a clean job then mask up the mast down both edges of the track so that when the Plexus is put on it's easier to make it look like a good clean job
  • generously Plexus the new track and then apply it to the mast
  • place wooden lolly sticks in the join to ensure of a straight fit
  • remove with a broken lolly stick any excess down the sides of the track
  • and then pvc tape around the mast and track to ensure a good bond and to hold it in place - remember to remove the masking tape when cleaning up
  • when dry remove all lolly sticks and tape - job done.....
  • It could be a good idea to place an additional sail feeder at the top of the track to add additional protection from the main halyard/bolt rope etc.

All track and the loan of a plexus gun with Plexus can be bought/loaned from LDC. Please contact Adam Broughton (RS Retail Manager) mailto:adam@rssailing.com - adam -at- rssailing.com

Good luck and i hope this is of help.

 



-------------
Charlie Merchant
UK RS Sales


Posted By: CurlyBen
Date Posted: 09 Feb 10 at 11:36am
That's great, thanks a lot Charlie! Will head up to LDC this week

-------------
RS800 GBR848
Weston SC


Posted By: Neptune
Date Posted: 09 Feb 10 at 12:34pm
Make sure they when they loan you the gun for teh plexus that they actualy give you the right nozzle to fit - they didn't when I borrowed it so i now have an unused mixing nozzle.  I ended mixxing the stuff up on a piece of card and applying it like epoxy.   Worked though!



Print Page | Close Window

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2010 Web Wiz - http://www.webwizguide.com