[Public-List] [EXTERNAL] Public-List Digest, Vol 3920, Issue 2

[R Kirk]

Gord… Wasn't Sitka once used extensively for masts at some time? I'm not sure. But I agree white oak is very rot resistant and great for spreaders. Hearts of Oak and all that. I wonder why Whitby switched to aluminum. Costs? Easier to construct? At any rate, Isobar had its original white oak masts that lasted for years. I was going to make new spreaders when I took the mast down one year but found them in good shape. I just refinished and painted the tops white... Bob


-----Original Message-----
From: Gordon Laco via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
Cc: Gordon Laco <mainstay at csolve.net>; Greenhouse, Matthew A. (GSFC-6650) <matt.greenhouse at nasa.gov>
Sent: Mon, Sep 16, 2019 5:20 pm
Subject: Re: [Public-List] [EXTERNAL] Public-List Digest, Vol 3920, Issue 2

Sitka spruce?  I don’t think any boatbuilders in any period in history used that wood for spreaders.  Too soft, too rot prone; white oak is what Whitby used... earlier, black locust or elm.  Spreaders require very hard wood, very stiff with high durability.  

If a boat had Sitka spruce spreaders, that would be an error by a well meaning but ill informed subsequent owner. 

Sorry for the over-long rather adamant response... rigging classic yachts is my trade.