Mast Crack at the spreader

[Luffin it]

I've got a crack about 1.2" centered on the aft end of the speader bracket running vertical. Has anyone had this problem? Do I just need to build an alum patch. Drill a small hole on each end of the crack to stop it? Should I use some kind of glue to attach the patch and rivet it to the mast?

 

[Loren Beach]

http://www.briontoss.com/

Try posting your question at the "spar talk" forum on this site.

A new mast is quite expensive... Perhaps you could sleeve yours at the high-stress area. I would imagine that welding would be a no-no because it would weaken the aluminum too much.

Good luck,

Loren in PDX