[Public-List] Replacing or Relaminating original mast beam with wooden components

[crufone at comcast.net]

Brian, 

I still plan on doing the repair as originally intended.  Remove the beam, delaminate the layers and reglue the layers using G-Flex 30 or whatever the Goudgen Brothers at West Systems feel is the most appropriate adhesive. The resorcinol glue that Whitby originally used failed after 34 years. I believe that the Epoxy adhesive has the advantage of lasting far longer. I have the beam jacked up to proper shape and location. Just need to make the template so I can make the clamping form and then remove the beam. 

The Pearson Triton uses this same mast beam design and several have been repaired via relaminating the original beam or making a new beam of wooden laminates using more modern durable adhesives. These repairs have also survived the test of time. 

I agree that from a structural point of view, fabricating an aluminum channel section to replace the beam may be the most sound fix. I see the original wooden beam as part of the interior "furniture" of the boat and also as a structural member. I admit that I am driven by aesthetics and wish to retain the nice wooden interior furnishings. I am convienced, and I may be wrong, that I can achieve the structural integrity required for the mast beam and also retain the appearance of the original look. It is just a different approach to solving the same problem. 

I do know that I have to 'live' with the repair which I have chosen. I prefer to gaze upon the beauty of the wooden mast beam versus aluminum plates through bolted to the sides of the original beam. Because I intend to remove the beam to inspect the underside of the coach roof and the main bulkheads..... after that point I don't see it as much more work to relaminate the original beam versus installing the aluminum plates. 

I will keep the list posted and have told George that I will carefully document this style of repair so others can see what I have done. 

Michael #133 



----- Original Message -----




From: "Brian Zinser" < bzinser at lssu.edu > 
To: crufone at comcast.net 
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2012 3:18:29 PM 
Subject: Fwd: Re: [Public-List] Hello from Vancouver. (Somewhat) proud new owner        of Antares 1967 A30. 

Michael, 

What do you think of this for a fix for the boat.  Should we ask him for photos? 



-------- Original Message -------- Subject: 	Re: [Public-List] Hello from Vancouver. (Somewhat) proud new owner of Antares 1967 A30. 
Date: 	Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:38:10 -0700 
From: 	Glennb <brooks.glenn at comcast.net> 
Reply-To: 	Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> 
To: 	Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> Hello Jeremy, I agree with your father regarding shaping a new mast support out of wood with a bandsaw, I did that on my boat a few years ago and am very happy every time I look at at it. the aluminim fix is undoubtedly quick to install and probably distributes the compression loading loading from the mast properly. but it is not seamanship like, in my mind, to bolt a piece of metal over an old, failing beam and call it good. 


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