[Public-List] Mast Beam Repair

[Lawrence Morris]

Gentlemen,

I have been reading this thread with interest since it started last  
month.  I have a couple of observations.

First we know that the aluminum plate beam reinforcement is a 100%  
repair.  However it is a little unsightly.  No more worries pounding  
upwind in a storm.

Secondly, It seems to me that getting successful laminate of existing  
wood beam laminates somehow separated (a very dodgy proposition) or  
new materials still carries a fairly high degree of risk of failure.  
(Laminate void,  wood grain failure, bonding to the cabin top fails,  
etc.) However aesthetically it is is desirable.  But it has to be the  
most time consuming option and it still won't be as strong as the  
Aluminum plate option. It will still flex.

I was thinking maybe you can have the best of both by worlds.  Install  
the Aluminum plates and then fabricate some teak cover plates to hide  
them.  You can have the plates made to be a .25" shorter in the  
vertical and then bring the trim down flush with the bottom of the  
existing beam.  I estimate that this project can be completed in about  
half the time of replacing the Laminate beam.


Just my 2 cents






Larry Morris
Solstice, #501




On Jan 11, 2010, at 8:38 AM, Jeffrey wrote:

> On Thu, Jan 7, 2010 at 11:03 AM,  <crufone at comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>
>> Bill you seem to have much experience in the laying up of  
>> laminates. I thank you for coming forward to make suggestions. I  
>> hope that I can concact you for further advice when I am at the  
>> point of doing the lay up of my mast beam.  A couple of other  
>> owners who have early boats with wooden beams feel as I do about  
>> the appearance factor and are waiting in the wings to see how  
>> successful/durable my relamination repair is before they attempt  
>> their own repair.
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Michael #133
>
>
> Michael, count me in as another one waiting in the wings to see how
> your project turns out. My Alberg #116 has the original beam with no
> aluminum plates. Last year was my first year with her and the beam
> seems fine at the moment, but I suspect it is just a matter of time. I
> do believe my beam had some additional bracing added at some point,
> which may be why it is still intact:
> http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NdbyKg_T3qIfnqcmdrruag?feat=directlink
> http://picasaweb.google.com/fongemie/MastBeam?feat=directlink
>
> I think a properly laminated bean of white oak should last at another
> 40 years, and look good too.
>
>
> Jeff Fongemie
> #116 Seagrass
>
> http://picasaweb.google.com/fongemie
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