[Public-List] Cracked masthead on first generation A-30

[dickdurk at atlanticbb.net]

I had a bunch of holes TIG welded on Checkmate's boom and 
am very happy with the results. I'm told welding weakens 
aluminum, but I don't know by how much, and the Alberg's 
hardware is really massively overbuilt. Of course, in my 
case, nothing was weaker than air.

I'd talk with a welder who specializes in bike frames or 
someone like that.

MichaelGrosh
#220


On Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:57:38 -0500
  Rachel <penokee at cheqnet.net> wrote:
> Hello fellow Albergers,
> 
> Today I found that I have a crack in my cast aluminum 
>masthead.  I guess I can't complain too much, as this is 
>the first thing I've found on the boat that the Previous 
>Owner bludged up - for the most part he took very good 
>care of the boat, and kept it in good, original 
>condition.
> 
> Anyway, what's happened is that he rigged up an extended 
>"crane" for a spinnaker halyard, but using two 
>chainplates with some wood sandwiched between to extend 
>the front of the masthead forward and mount a block.  The 
>flaw came in because the wood was not a suitable 
>compression block, and then tightening the fasteners 
>caused one of the two "ears" at the top forward of the 
>masthead to try to bend inward a shade.  Cast aluminum 
>does not like to bend, so I've got a hairline crack near 
>where the clevis pin for the forestay goes through, on 
>the port-side ear.
> 
> I remember talk of new mastheads being fabricated, but 
>it was one of those subjects I wasn't dealing with at the 
>time, so I don't remember the details.  Can anyone fill 
>me in?  Are they available?  From whom and at what cost?
> 
> I'd also be open to repairing the masthead by sistering 
>or welding, but don't know if this is possible. 
> Cosmetics are not that important, considering the 
>location, but of course strength is a huge priority.
> 
> This is the original mast, hull #221.  Original 
>masthead, too.  I have photos if they are needed.
> 
> Thanks so much for any input,
> 
> Rachel
> 1967 Alberg 30, #221
> 
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