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Fri, July 26 2024, 20:44 [ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, [7], 8, 9 ]

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Date Posted: - Tuesday - 08/19/08 - 2:42pm
Author: Gitano (M31 #95)
Subject: Sitka Spruce
In reply to: Steve Burge hull #55 's message, "Mast maintenance" on - Tuesday - 08/19/08 - 2:05pm

Steve,
I just made new masts, although I was going to scarf the old one back together (I found a decent source for the spruce). One thing to check is the old resorsinol glue seams. If they have been exposed, check that they are all still sound. I used Interlux wood sealer (3 coats) and clear penetrating epoxy sealer only at the mast step, mast head and spreader bolt penetrations. No need to penetrate the rest. I went with Bristol (traditional amber) two part polyurethane varnish over the wood sealer. The Briston has 10 times the uv protection and is 100 times stronger than traditional varnish, and you can lay 3-4 coats a day. Its tacks up dry to the touch within an hour. Its also just as beutiful as traditional varnish, but lasts much longer. Email me if you want photos.

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[> Varnish vs paint -- Steve M-32 #59, - Tuesday - 08/19/08 - 2:59pm

One of the things I have read with regards to wooden masts is that varnish lets you see whether water has gotten under the varnish so you can fix it before it starts to rot. When I bought my boat the masts were painted and looked to be in great shape. After I stripped them I found myself making more than a few dutchmen to fix some problem areas. I won't go back to an opaque coating for my masts after that experience. I have stuck with traditional spar varnish rather than going to a poly. As Gitano says poly is harder but harder is not necessarily advantageous on a mast. A more flexible varnish withstands minor hits better and works with the wood as it expands, contracts and flexes over time. I don't want to sound dogmatic on this as there are definitely different opinions on the subject and each type of varnish has its' good and bad points. BTW on the subject of surface prep, don't listen to the people who talk about going down to 400 grit or more and trying to get a perfect finish for varnish. Go to 120 use a first coat split 50/50 with thinner and then go for the most thick coats you can. I want protection for the mast I'm not worried about perfection


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