Wooden Masts - Construction
Wooden masts - with spreaders and booms - can be built locally to any size and design. In our 120 foot mast shed at Vacamonte, we can glue up a mast to plan.
A scarfed box design in a wood such as Sitka spruce is a relatively simple way to tackle this. These masts conceal all wiring inside, are very attractive and prove to be considerably cheaper than a new spar. If you need a wooden mast consult us, for advice on best wood and its availability, together with design and practicality.
It is possible to specially import Sitka Spruce - or build with local woods. Currently, we are testing in Panama a very straight rot resistant wood called Laurel. Its properties are very similar to mahogany. It grows very straight up to 30m high. Right now, we want to see how it glues up & how flexible it is. If it matches mahogany as claimed it will be possible to offer a good mast at a competitive price.
Two masts were built for the schooner Sea Phoenix from specially imported Sitka spruce - one 95 foot and the other 70 foot. These are stepped on the keel and for strength are solid at the base and deck level. Planks are scarfed together to form a box mast. The tops and bases are solid wood that gives strength at deck level and where the spreaders and hardware are placed.
The masts are then coated with epoxy resin and topped with varnish to give a 5 year finish. Local labour makes these masts a very economical option.
Our two Sitka Spruce masts cost just $25,000 a few years back! Today, with rising costs, price will have risen a little. Ask us for a quotation!
A scarfed box design in a wood such as Sitka spruce is a relatively simple way to tackle this. These masts conceal all wiring inside, are very attractive and prove to be considerably cheaper than a new spar. If you need a wooden mast consult us, for advice on best wood and its availability, together with design and practicality.
It is possible to specially import Sitka Spruce - or build with local woods. Currently, we are testing in Panama a very straight rot resistant wood called Laurel. Its properties are very similar to mahogany. It grows very straight up to 30m high. Right now, we want to see how it glues up & how flexible it is. If it matches mahogany as claimed it will be possible to offer a good mast at a competitive price.
- http://www.fincaleola.com/laurel.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurel_forest
Two masts were built for the schooner Sea Phoenix from specially imported Sitka spruce - one 95 foot and the other 70 foot. These are stepped on the keel and for strength are solid at the base and deck level. Planks are scarfed together to form a box mast. The tops and bases are solid wood that gives strength at deck level and where the spreaders and hardware are placed.
The masts are then coated with epoxy resin and topped with varnish to give a 5 year finish. Local labour makes these masts a very economical option.
Our two Sitka Spruce masts cost just $25,000 a few years back! Today, with rising costs, price will have risen a little. Ask us for a quotation!
Second Hand Masts
Occasionally, a second hand mast turns up - normally from a shipwreck. Currently, we have one 31 foot aluminium mast from a Cheoy Lee 27- slightly damaged for sale. The original vessel was driven onto rocks by a larger vessel in a storm, whilst at anchor. Spreader has broken off and mast steps are damaged. It can be repaired.
