We checked the 30-year-old spruce masts on our ketch a few years ago. Due to a small crack in one side, we took a section out and scarfed in new wood. The rest of the 65-foot hollow main mast was pristine as was the entire mizzen. There were holes all up the length for mast steps with six screw holes per step. The water intrusion issue was of great concern. All holes are now filled, the masts repainted, and all is well.

A dock neighbor who also owns a Force 50 decided he wanted to get rid of his wooden masts and replaced them with alloy masts from a Beneteau and some smaller boat. As he cut up the old wooden masts for recycling, he--and all the curious dock watchers--were amazed to discover that the spruce throughout was absolutely gorgeous. He regretted destroying all that perfectly maintained wood, but a neighbor gleefully walked off with yards of project material for his Tayana.

Rebuilding wooden masts and booms is not all that difficult as we have completely rebuilt both booms.