Mast sections fit together too loosely

beaglebuddy · Joined: 10 Feb 2012 Posts: 1120

It's my Hot Sails 490 RDM Kilwell made in New Zealand Hot Rod mast.
It really hasn't been used that much but I noticed when it's rigged up the bend curve is not an even bend, sort of a kink where they join together as the fit is not tight. I image there is some proper way to build this up and make the fit snug.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5330 Location: East Bay

Brush a coat of epoxy resin to the male part, allow to dry, sand lightly, see how it fits. If it's still loose, add another coat.

beaglebuddy · Joined: 10 Feb 2012 Posts: 1120

Two part epoxy resin and hardener right?

joethewindsufa · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal

490 RDM ??
how do you like it compared to an SDM ??
i use 460 RDMs, but 490+ is SDM for my > 100 kilos
thoughts ??

yeah - 2 part epoxy (even MarineTex should do the job)

U2U2U2 · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2017 9:26 am Post subject:

I think you CAN make it fit better yourself, a better grade of even hardware store epoxy, like Gorilla, of course you will need to sand to fit.

I would contact Jeff at HSM with this issue while it's still winter.

bred2shred · Joined: 02 May 2000 Posts: 989 Location: Jersey Shore

I would add a wrap (or more depending on how sloppy the fit is) of glass when applying the epoxy. The glass will give it more wear/abrasion resistance as compared to using just epoxy and provide a more consistent thickness. If you have a hand caliper, you could measure the OD of the ferrule and the ID of the mast to estimate how many layers of glass you need. If you use 6 oz glass, each wrap will add about 0.020" to the ferrule diameter.

Once you've laid it up, take some black electrical tape and use a utility knife to perforate the center of the tape (while it's still on the roll). Then wrap the tape around the glass/epoxy to squeeze out the excess epoxy and ensure the glass is solidly and consistently in contact with the ferrule. After the epoxy cures, remove the tape and wipe with acetone to remove the residual tape adhesive. Then sand with 150 grit to a smooth surface and check the fit.

sm

beaglebuddy · Joined: 10 Feb 2012 Posts: 1120

joethewindsufa · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal

you're a Super Freak ?
(sorry, could NOT resist)
i actually use SDM on my SpeedFreak

if it is going to be a full fibre-glass job,
i agree with people who are saying - go back to HSM
especially IF you purchased it NEW

rollerrider · Joined: 17 May 2003 Posts: 100

I'm no mast craftsman but I think it would be very difficult to add fiberglass to a mast ferrel and end up with good fit.

manuel · Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 1158

Is there any wobble? The kink could be a bend in the junction itself.
If you look at the mast from the base down and rotate it do you notice the kink rotating as well?
You can try some wide masking tape for now.
You don't want it super tight otherwise it'll likely get stuck.