Refinishing Sitka Spruce Masts

[Phisher]

The masts on my Cheoy Lee Ketch are in serious need of refinishing. I have been told to varnish so I am able to detect wood rot/damage. The other is to paint the masts so I will not have the up keep of varnish.

I do not mind the upkeep , but I would prefer the better solution.

Help,

Brian

P.S. She is mine transferred title today!!!

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Phisher

P.S. She is mine transferred title today!!!

Congratulations on the new boat.

Epoxy over varnish?

[Mark Johnson]

It depends entirely on how much effort you are willing to go through for low maintenance and longevity. Aluminum mast are best, but...

You could strip the hardware, then the varnish, then epoxy (6 coats), or even epoxy/glass the mast. (You can't epoxy over varnish) You could also epoxy coat ALL openings/bolt holes with numerous coats of epoxy. 100% SEALED!!!

Then, either varnish (6 coats), and NEVER let it fail, OR use LP white paint for low maintenance.

IF the mast then ever got rot problems, it would likely be "inside the mast" or fastener holes, so not hidden under the white paint.

Some folks have used a light tan LP paint instead of white, which mimics a varnished mast from a distance.

Good luck with it.

Mark

[heron237]

what?, you varnish over epoxy, what is this amateur hour, epoxy doesn't have a uv component, all gloss varnishes do.

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by heron237

what?, you varnish over epoxy, what is this amateur hour, epoxy doesn't have a uv component, all gloss varnishes do.

---and your point is?--

[heron237]

most people and most manufactureres suggest, if you chose to in a scheme to protect a spar to first put down whatever they're selling and then varnish over it. I thought i made that clear.

[heron237]

i meant epoxies, sorry

[heron237]

and that is the final word. you can take it to the bank.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Bash

Congratulations on the new boat.

Epoxy over varnish?

oops. my bad--the right hand is typing faster than the left hand is reading.

Here's the trick: WEST SYSTEM | Application Techniques - Varnish over epoxy

[Blue Stocking]

Phew!!--I'm glad we cleared that up. I was beginning to think that the Sitka Spruce mast , gaff boom, main boom, staysail club, and bowsprit that I epoxied, and then varnished in 1971, for my Friendship sloop, didn't exist.

[heron237]

yep they've got it right, i saw some post in her suggesting the west epoxy people were only good for amateurs, don't believe it. The only time to use common constructon on fiberglass repair is if the boat is sinking. or you're a Pardy aficionado. Epoxy and glass, cut up and made into a burly sort of thing does wonders. Roving, matt etc, not usually necessary. I rest my case

[heron237]

And I challenge any other cruiser to argue my point. I have repaired over three hundred fiberglass vessels with epoxy and a properly administered last coat with gel coat on top that have lasted.

[Phisher]

I'm thinking aluminum! I just love the look of the wood.

[wolfenzee]

My mast is Sitka Spruce 3-piece laminated (basically a solid mast but a little stronger). When I got the boat it was painted, I had it down last winter and decided to strip it in doing so I found the paint had cracked in places and water had gotten to the wood, no damage just some discolouration. If left painted it would gone un noticed. Maintaining a varnished mast is not really that hard (you should inspect your rigging regularly anyway) it is when you let it go you have problems, especially with box masts.

[heron237]

well spoken, i agree