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Procuring a replacement spar


The original mast extrusion is no longer available. As accidents happen, people need new masts. Right now, I don't have a good answer for you, but I hope that this page will collect enough information to help.

Gary Barker (Blarney, #563) reports, "Mast measurements on my A30 #563 is 34 ft. 4 in. high, not including masthead casting. Cross section is 3.5 in. x 6 in. Extrusion is 5/32 in. thick."

For recommendations of sources for replacement spars, see /collaborate/SparReplacementSources


Offshore Sailing book cover Offshore Sailing by Bill Seifert with Daniel Spurr

We went to a Windjammers lecture to hear Bill Seifert and I was impressed enough to buy the book on the spot. I've heard a lot of people talk about ways to improve a boat, but I've never heard one person suggest so many good ideas that I hadn't considered. Part of the charm is the specificity of the suggestions. Everyone says you should secure your floorboards, hatchboards and batteries. Bill shows good suggestions on how to do so.

The suggestions are very practical for the do-it-yourselfer, too. Many show how to make or adapt inexpensive solutions. Tip #12 on closing the deck blower vents is one that will pay off for me without ever going offshore. I'll implement that one to stop the wintertime storms from finding their way belowdecks.

Besides modifications, the book also includes advice for operating offshore, cooking, boat selection, dealing with bureaucracy, and more.

Bill Seifert has worked at Tartan, TPI, and Alden Yachts. He's a veteran of many Marion-Bermuda races and now runs his own yacht management company. His tips are born of experience--not of book-learning--and it shows. He obviously knows his stuff.

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