Nearing completion on mast repairs for SV Mag, NCOBS' Drascomb Gig

Thanks to a great deal of effort from Trish Haitz, we are nearing the end of mast repairs for SV Mag, NCOBS' 25' Drascomb Gig.  The two piece sitka spruce spar  partially split along a seam when, due to metal fatigue, the starboard pad eye used for the shroud failed.  


Before...

This image was taken after I used a dremel tool to expose the seam, remove old adhesive, and create a slight v taper as to aid in applying new epoxy.


The damage to the mast was limited to a 15' section along one side of the spar.  To prevent the split from expanding, I placed a clamp at each end of the damaged section.  We did debate the pros and cons of splitting apart the mast and gluing the entire length of the seam, but in the end we choose to attempt to repair only the damaged section.  


If the spar splits again or in another area then we can move on to more invasive repairs.












After...  

Once the repair was completed we moved the spar onto the dock for refinishing.  The dock provided a more bug free work area.  The image above was taken after applying 9 coats of Bristol Finish.
































The Drascomb is ketch rigged.  Unsure of the maintenance history of the Mag beyond the last 8 years we also stripped down the mizzen spars and refinished them at the same time.  How is this for a well ventilated, bug free work space...

Notice that along with the Mag spars is a collection of C'est la Vie projects including my ongoing rebuild of the companionway stairs.