[Public-List] Mast Beam Variation

[Theodore M. Liszczak]

This is a question relating to the mast beam but not exactly. As we all 
know the glue that Whitby used to laminate the strips of wood that form 
the mast beam eventually fails. This is expected after 40 years. This 
leads to mast beam and deck sagging. This leads to problems in rigging 
and front door closure. That issue has been addressed by the Maintenance 
Section and comment from Alberg owners quite well.  On my A-30, Freedom 
hull number 345, now 40 years old, the mast beam is not visibly 
delaminating.  But the solid wood section in front of and adjacent to 
the mast beam is dropping from the ceiling.  It is the wood stringer 
that separates the head from the fore cabin. In my A-30 it is what the 
fore cabin door hits preventing the door from closing. I have forced it 
up with a rubber mallet; it helps with the door closure but not 
completely. I do not want to jack it up, drill through it and attach it 
to the now functional mast beam, for fear of delaminating or splitting 
the wood strips that the mast beam is made of. Has any one had the same 
problem? And is there a remedy?

Ted Liszczak
Freedom
Hull # 345