Making a wooden mast for a Spindrift 11N

[Glenn Zahn]

Hello!

I am making my first boat, a Spindrift 11N, and I'm getting close to making the mast. (I've included a couple of pics of my latest progress). My question is: Has anyone made a wooden mast in sections? I can do an aluminum mast in 3 pieces, but the poles alone are over $200. I'd rather make a wooden mast, but it's hard to transport an 18' mast on my car.

 

[Glenn Zahn]

In case anyone wondered, all of my solid wood pieces are ash. I know it is a bit heavier than douglas fir, but I already had it and I like how hard and reliable the wood is. Anyone else do the same?

[Captain Tim]

I used red cedar for all solid wood pieces except for the daggerboard. I wanted to keep the boat as light as possible.

I bought the mast kit from B and B and have it so the three sections can nested together. Cost at the time was $175 shipping included.

I think it is $192 now.

[Captain Tim]

I'm pretty sure a Laser radial mast will work if you can find one in your area.

I would change the gooseneck and make the boom out of wood

[Glenn Zahn]

On 1/19/2024 at 7:46 PM, Captain Tim said:

I used red cedar for all solid wood pieces except for the daggerboard. I wanted to keep the boat as light as possible.

I bought the mast kit from B and B and have it so the three sections can nested together. Cost at the time was $175 shipping included.

I think it is $192 now.

Thank you!!

On 1/19/2024 at 7:52 PM, Captain Tim said:

I'm pretty sure a Laser radial mast will work if you can find one in your area.

I would change the gooseneck and make the boom out of wood

Thank you!!

[Bryan Rolfe]

I ended up just buying the aluminum tubes from B&B as well. Cheaper than any supplier I could easily find.  I think the weight savings are more important for me than the marginal cost savings, depending on how you can source your lumber. 

 

That said, if I was using this as a show boat, or wanted another fun wood working project, I'd probably enjoy making a wooden mast. 

[Hirilonde]

On 1/22/2024 at 8:08 PM, Bryan Rolfe said:

That said, if I was using this as a show boat, or wanted another fun wood working project, I'd probably enjoy making a wooden mast. 

 

I built birdsmouth masts for my Lapwing.  They certainly add to the show boat effect, and it was very satisfying to complete them, but I would never use the word fun. Making the tapered staves and gluing all 8 of them together at the same time can only be described as tedious. Making them round was extremely satisfying.

I find the word "fun" does not apply here.