Repair and Maintenance of a Drascombe Lugger
Repairing 'Chafe' on the wooden mainmast
The main mast when erected is held tightly against the
mast thwart and movement of the mast during sailing
causes it to chafe and wear against the hard teak of the
thwart. The same problem occurs with the unstayed mizzen
mast which is held in position with a mizzen thwart.
This wear and tear is easily repaired using epoxy resin
and filler as illustrated below.
|
Effect of
mast chafe
The teak mast thwart has chafed into the main mast
allowing the wood to weather.
(Click on image for larger view)
|
|
The same
area after repair
The rotten wood was been sanded away The bare wood
was coated with West Epoxy Resin 105 using standard
205 hardener and then immediately built up with a
stiff mixture of resin 105 plus high-density filler
404. This was then left to cure for 24 hours before
sanding smooth and coating with Resin 105. Using
high-density filler gives a tough renewable repair
that will resist further abrasion.
(Click on image for larger view)
|
|
The mast
in place against the thwart
The mast stepped against the Mast Thwart showing
the repaired area of the main mast in contact with
the Teak of the thwart.
(Click on image for larger view)
|
Project started and completed, September 2001
BACK TO FULL LIST OF PROJECTS
