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Sail & Rigging - Mast profile ... how to make it shine
20 December 2013 - 18:59
#1
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SAFA
Join Date: 01 October 2013
Posts: 33

Mast profile ... how to make it shine
Our SAFA S&S 44 has her original rig (1973) and we took it to lay down to check details. All seems to be OK. (shrouds etc.) except the outlook - this mast profile has not been handled electrically and the color has turned to 'dark aluminium'. We are going to grind the mast slightly, then clean and use some wax to make it shine. Has somebody done operation like this?
What cleaning method, which kind of wax to use?
Rgds, SAFA-team/FINLAND.

Profile near sp. halyard
20 December 2013 - 21:04
#2
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the professor
Join Date: 02 January 2008
Posts: 1547

Dear SAFA-team.
If you have the possibility:
Blowing steam at 150 deg.C onto the surface would clean it, and creates a corrosion protection layer, thinner than real anodizing but a substitute. Try on a small surface how it works.
Kind regards
Lars

21 December 2013 - 12:45
#3
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the professor
Join Date: 02 January 2008
Posts: 1547

PS
If you can not use the method suggested above, a less abrasive approach is suggested, here a link http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/112642

Coricone 1700 metal sealer is recommended, see
http://www.corrotherm.com/index.htm
but probably not available in Europe.
Kind regards
Lars
21 December 2013 - 19:49
#4
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tombarth1@yahoo.com
Join Date: 25 April 2011
Posts: 36

I clean and polish the mast, boom and stanchions with baby oil and a cloth. Brilliant finish and very easy.

Tom Barth
Pandra
38/111
25 December 2013 - 08:29
#5
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SAFA
Join Date: 01 October 2013
Posts: 33

Thanks prof., these methods you suggested are be enough for us. I think painting of the mast profile (awlgrip etc.) is not 'classic style' ....
Rgds, SAFA-team

10 July 2014 - 13:04
#6
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SAFA
Join Date: 01 October 2013
Posts: 33

Thanks prof., these methods you suggested are be enough for us. I think painting of the mast profile (awlgrip etc.) is not 'classic style' .... Rgds, SAFA-team

Now is SAFA's original mast renoved with minimum costs. The oxidised aluminium is removed by grinding. I used steelwool with sweet water, grinding with 2 hands! After that, simple washing and waxing two times with car wax for aluminium wheels. Total costs were about 20 euros plus 4 days work (with a little beer and simple food ....). See the photo of ongoing grinding.

03 August 2014 - 15:45
#7
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Matteo45
Join Date: 23 October 2011
Posts: 150

Hi, no protettive coat at all? It would be interesting to have an update,
Fair winds,
Matteo, Grampus 47/016
24 November 2014 - 17:58
#8
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SAFA
Join Date: 01 October 2013
Posts: 33

The mast is still shining, as the photo shows (taken in Portimao anchorplace). But I think we have to wash and wax the mast every year ..... At this moment(24.11.2014) SAFA has started ARC2014 cruising class race to St. Lucia, everyone can follow the race http://www.worldcruising.com/arc/eventfleetviewer.aspx

Rgds, SAFA team

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