Mutalated mast

[Shearer]

Hi everyone I'm new to sailing just purchased a 40ft timber gaff rigged spray
The plast owner was in the middle of modifying the boat and has cut 6 feet off the mast Wich is currently keel stepped just wanting to know if it is posable to deck mount it or would I be better off buying a new mast . the rigging has not been shortened yet and it is a beautiful timber mast I'd hate to have replace it

[JPA Cate]

No.

The boat was designed to have the forces taken out by the step on the keel, and even with a compression post, the deck is not designed for the stresses. You would invite dis-masting. Consult with an engineer who is timber boat savvy.

Ann

[hellosailor]

What Ann said. Either the PO was a butcher or a genius who "knew" the boat would be more stable with less mast and less sail.

In theory you could probably splice in another six feet to the existing mast. Fine joinery work and good epoxy and it just might be as good as new, but that's going to require uncommon skill, too.

[Cheechako]

If a solid timber mast, a new hollow one may be a big asset!