Wooden masts: Regular maintenance is essential
Everyone knows that wood is a living material that requires attention and regular maintenance. Boaters with wooden masts are not always aware of this. "We're constantly asked by customers who ask us: I have an old wooden mast, what should I do? And unfortunately, when we are interested in the mast, there is often already a problem. This is where a little expertise in maintenance can help" explains Samuel Zambaldi, founder of Woodspars and Charpentier Marine Morbihan.
Monitor and renew the mast varnish
For many boaters, wood is synonymous with varnish. While it can be a chore for the person doing the many coats, it is an essential part of protecting masts and spars. Samul Zambaldi explains why and the choices Woodspars makes. "All varnishes and treatments of any kind are subject to the effects of UV light. Without regular maintenance, they degrade, the wood becomes visible and it is the opening and the entry of fungi and the risk of rotting. It is necessary to multiply the layers and redo them at least every 2 years, because each year, at least 1 or 2 layers disappear because of the sun depending on the place of navigation. It's very important where there is chaffing, where the halyards snap."
For the choice of treatments, oils and varnishes based on Chinese oils can be sufficient for solid wood, but they require very regular maintenance. Polyurethane varnishes, more durable over time, are well suited to parts that are stable in geometry and hygrometry such as glulam.
Monitor the rigging fittings
2nd point of vigilance for the yachtsman, the fittings of fixing the rigging can be at the origin of weaknesses. "Wood is very good in bending, but less so in shearing. The bolts securing the fittings can crush the wood and open it up, causing water infiltration. 80% of masts rot at the fittings. So they have to be dismantled to check and repair if necessary by partially changing the part or sealing with mastic," says the Woodspars founder.
Treat mast cracks
The last crucial point according to the expert in wooden rigging, cracks are a natural phenomenon to watch out for. "Cracks and chinks in the wood are a natural phenomenon on the wood due to the moistening or drying of the spar. If you keep an eye on them, they can be treated without much trouble, with flexible putty or epoxy. This allows us to save a beautiful piece of wood, whereas leaving it gaping is an open door to the installation of fungi" concludes Samuel Zambaldi.
