Dart 15 Forums

Just a heads up on something that happened while Joan was out for a sail on Sunday while I was doing some work in the clubhouse. About 30mph wind but sailing very sensibly when the main partially dropped - no mast head hook plate left and I found the whole mast flange had corroded between the rivet holes and the entire section ripped off. Mast now in for a 3mm plate to be welded on.

Whoooops

This happened to my mast last year and I now have a Steve Sawford hook that goes on the opposite side that has worked fist time every time.

Interesting, thanks Erling.

Windsport also stock a stb handed mast hook for such eventualities, as special order, should someone need it, but remember to turn the mast the other way when dropping the mainsail.
The alternative is a welded in plate as suggested.
Brian .
Windsport Sprint 15 technical support

The problem I could see with putting the old one back, is the plate that has been welded on is thicker, so you would have to alter the original hook in some way.

Thanks Brian / Erling.

The fabricator understands that the position is critical. The aim is to cut the broken flange back to the main mast corner (at the base of the flange) and to the top cap - with the new plate surface flush with the original outer surface - that means the welds will be to double angle points except at the bottom.

I may however opt to do the starboard side conversion. Luckily Joan is going camping with the kids / grandkids for a couple of weeks from Tuesday so time to sort it - tomorrow is Dart 18 day and Sunday I am RO so she can use my 15.