The port side spreader bracket is coming loose from the mast on my E26. Inspection reveals corrosion on the mast to the extent that it's a structural issue which needs to be fixed now. Two questions:
(1) A local boat repair guy with a good reputation for honesty and quality work recommends that the mast be taken down and an aluminum backing plate much bigger than the hole in the mast be epoxied inside the mast, and then a similiar aluminum plate be expoxied to the outside, then the two plates riveted together through the mast. The spreader bracket would then be riveted to the repair plates. This makes sense to me, but my knowledge/experience with such things is limited.
Any comments or suggestions?
(2) The spreader mounting bracket is made of stainless steel and no doubt this is the main cause of the corrosion, due to the dissimilar materials, ss and aluminum, being in direct contact. I've seen some boats that appear to have aluminum spreader mounting brackets and I'm wondering if any of you know where I can get such brackets? I'm aware that a piece of rubber or something can be used as a gasket between the bracket and mast, but my guess is that an aluminum bracket would be the best solution.
Thanks in advance your input.
Captain Don
Gitana
(1) A local boat repair guy with a good reputation for honesty and quality work recommends that the mast be taken down and an aluminum backing plate much bigger than the hole in the mast be epoxied inside the mast, and then a similiar aluminum plate be expoxied to the outside, then the two plates riveted together through the mast. The spreader bracket would then be riveted to the repair plates. This makes sense to me, but my knowledge/experience with such things is limited.
Any comments or suggestions?
(2) The spreader mounting bracket is made of stainless steel and no doubt this is the main cause of the corrosion, due to the dissimilar materials, ss and aluminum, being in direct contact. I've seen some boats that appear to have aluminum spreader mounting brackets and I'm wondering if any of you know where I can get such brackets? I'm aware that a piece of rubber or something can be used as a gasket between the bracket and mast, but my guess is that an aluminum bracket would be the best solution.
Thanks in advance your input.
Captain Don
Gitana
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