TOPIC:

Hello. We are renovating a 1964 Albacore. The mast is corroded beyond use. Would appreciate advice on which mast to fit. The boat is new to us and we intend to use it for coastal cruising as well as racing. It will be based in the South of Skye/Plockton. Many thanks.

There's a Proctor D for sale on Dinghies and bits for sale Facebook page-that should suit you. Mind you it's in Bolton...

I have a Seldon Cumulus and matching boom at South Cerney SC, if that's any good for you.
They are both in excellent condition, fully rigged and with very little use.

thanks Stewart and Dave.
we potentially have a mast lined up locally. now its sails that we require. any recommendations?
How did you find the Cumulus Dave - was it bendy or stiff? used by light or medium weight crews?
I worked in Cirencester, Cheltenham and Gloucester for several years. Hows the sailing there?
thanks again

It was too bendy for me so I put my Superspars M2 back on. I sail with 28 or 29 stone in the boat so we're (well me really) fairly heavy.
As far as sails go, I would recommend Mike McNamara as an excellent sail maker, though others such as Hyde, P&B and Sail Register, are available and worth a look.

Yeah-what Dave 7508 says. I recommend Paul Sleeman at CS Boats for Albacore stuff; has an office in Scotland I believe

I have been in contact with Dave at CS and he is as helpful as you say. Thanks to you both for your suggestions.
Will let yous know how we get on

Hi guys
Did the renovation go ok? I need a new mast for my Fairey 1485 albacore so keen to understand any issues with different masts? E.g. Foot equipment, shrouds etc

Thank you!

When looking for a new mast you need to be mindful of the stiffness that you need for your all up crew weight. Heavy crews generally need stiffer mast. However I suspect that if you sail on the sea or inland waters you might need to take that into consideration.

The other thing you need to keep in mind is that not all albacore masts are the same length and this is because of the variation in hull designs. Some masts are stepped on the hog, others are mounted on plinths that are anything up to 150mm above the hog. Be aware of this when looking for a second hand mast. You can always saw a bit off if its too long but you can't make a short mast grow any!

If you're buying a new mast the manufactures can help you. You can take measurements off your old mast but it is always a good idea to take measurements of your hull first and make sure you get the size for your boat. And be aware that sometimes the manufacturer doesn't always get it right so check it when you get it. Some assume YOU will cut the mast foot to suit your hull but they will still rivet the step in (unhelpful!) so you end up having to drill it out, saw off the required amount and refit the step.

There are plans available for the mast measurements, and these give measurements from the sheer line of the hull. The sheer line which is a line across the hull at the point where the hull intersects the deck either side of the mast.
I computed the distance between the sheer line to the mast step plinth by tipping the boat upside down on a flat concrete surface and measuring the distance from the concrete to the step and from the concrete to the two deck/hull intersects and with a bit of maths worked out the distance from the step to the sheer line.