Up the Mast~

One of the very first projects I started on Lindita was to re-fit the mast. In my head this was a fairly simple concept to grasp. First you take the mast off, next you paint the mast, then you put the mast back on. Nothing to it...

Here's how it went down...

This is the mast and boom in the work area at Bluewater Bay High & Dry.

Beginning sanding and removing hardware.

45' of mast to sand and strip.

Alot of the mast had very heavy corrosion like this winch base here.

This is one of the spreader arms with moss growing on the bottom side. This is whats left of the original factory paint.

 Mast made in the USA! LeFIELL  Its a pretty stout rig and she's getting ready for another life.

After sanding and cleaning.

The mast head is pretty impressive constructed of nice thick aluminum.

The mast, main and staysail booms, along with some pieces for the spreaders and mast. All prepped.

  

I used a Sterling product  for the primer. It has a zinc chromate and a high build property.

Followed by an AwlGrip topcoat called Snow White.

These are the original mahogany  spreader arms from the rig. Cleaned Up!

Here they are after painting.  Hanging behind them is the bowsprit. I did the bow project and the mast sort of at the same time. However, that is reserved for another entry!

Tapping the holes for mounting hardware.

Ready for reassembly.

With a little help from my pals at BWB High & Dry, lifting the mast is easy!

Now gently fellas....

Quickly pinning the rigging to the chain plates.

Standing back to admire the freshly painted mast, Dennis and crew double checking the turn buckles.

Back in slip A 57 after reinstalling the mast. Next comes the boom and sails, running rigging, and lifelines.

This was the first big project I finished on the boat.  During the process of restoring the mast, a few other things came to the surface needing attention before the mast could be stepped back on the boat... Primarily, the bow. 

I'll get to that next.