Does a Cat mast last the longevity of the boat?

[Reginald Bknham]

Does a Cat mast last the longevity of the boat?

[Jon Hacking]

Not sure what you're asking. Masts & rigging need to be overhauled &/or replaced at intervals, & boats last very different lengths of time, depending on original construction, use, & upkeep. But I expect my 20 year old mast (& cat) to last a long time.

[Southern Star]

Jon is correct - it varies, albeit the longevity of some aluminum masts can mirror the life of a boat. It will, however, depend upon a number of factors including the original construction, whether it has been sailed in fresh or salt water, whether the rig has been properly tuned, whether it has a tendancy to pump in certain conditions, whether it has undergone regular bending due to adjustable back stays, whether s/s machine screws/hardware have been properly bedded/isolated, whether a paint finish has been allowed to bubble and hold in moisture against the aluminum, whether there is proper drainage at the mast step,

The standing rigging, including not only stays and shrouds but tangs, and also the internal blocks in the mast and boom will, however, need replacement over time.

[Palarran]

Why do you ask? The question seems really simplistic and not based on the type of hull.

I notice you're new to the forum and wonder if you have tried the search options yet. They work great for looking up questions like the ones you are asking.

[Bill Gibbs]

My masts have. Diamonds and rigging needs replacement. Old carbon masts can have issues with metal fittings. Same with aluminum masts and SS. I had a 12 year old cat with an aluminum mast and a 27 year old cat with a carbon mast.


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