Can I Paint And Work On Mast While Still Upright And Attached To Boat?

[miller83]

i was wondering if this is possible to do? i know i will be doing a high wire act which isnt a issue to me with the right safety gear and precautions...mainly wondering about painting it,but also started thinking about if rigging may end up needing replaced...i just got a 1975 Irwin 10-4

[Vasco]

Possible but very difficult not to mention how your neighbours will feel with you prepping the mast (sanding etc.) and the crud flying all over the place. Then the paint splattering on your deck and possibly your neighbours' decks.

It'll be a lot easier with the mast on the ground and you can check the rigging, lights and wiring while you're at it.

[valhalla360]

Possible, sure.
Good idea, no.

[FSMike]

I would find it difficult to work on the mast if I were upside down lol.

[Pete7]

I have never managed to get paint to stick to aluminium long term despite using all the right paints and zinc preps, whether it be a outdrive leg or a diving cylinder.

What are your options in 5 years time when it starts to bubble up?

Pete

[miller83]

Hmmm i never thought of that. Do you do anything to treat or clean mast Pete7?

I'm just curious about how to go about cleaning and maintaining it look and corrosion wise,I want her to be a good looking vessel and have seen many varying opinions and being our budget is limited i want the best option of low cost and best protection possible

[Pete7]

Just wash it with clean soap and water as you would a car. Then inspect very carefully for corrosion, particularly anywhere other metals touch or for hair line cracks. Other than that leave it alone.

Remember the surface is probably anodised and aluminium if damaged will form a protective oxide layer if you leave it alone.

I was tied up to this Beneteau Figaro at the weekend. Other than the fact it doesn't have any cleats to tie up to the other thing I noticed was the white painted mast had lots of chips in the paint and looked terrible and the boat isn't that old. Fast boat, looked worn out.



Pete

[miller83]

Thanks Pete