Stainless steels are corrosion resistant, but tragically salt water is like the Borg “resistance is futile.” Futile might be overstating the case but stainless steel is only corrosion resistant, its resistance comes from the oxidisation of chromium in the stainless steel. Chromium forms a thin, tightly-adhering, impervious oxide layer that stops further corrosion. Chromium oxide layer is invisible to the naked eye, however when it is brushed aside, or otherwise dislodge the tell-tale signs of iron oxidisation soon appear, red rust stains. Have a look at the chain plate those rust stains are from the steel rusting where it rubs on the pins and the deck bolts.
| Unfortunately the wire ropes of shrouds rub against themselves pushing away the protective chromium layers leading to rope rusting from the inside out. How is looking at an apple tart like looking at wire rope – Until you test it it, you don’t know if it’s any good, and off course when you do it’s too late. The general thinking is it’s simpler and cheaper to just replace the standing rigging every 6 to 7 years. |
 If it looks like rust, tastes like iron and salt then it is rust and it should be looked at closely before things get out of hand. |
 What happens when good shrouds go bad. |
Too late – the shroud has broken and the mast has come down! |
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The good news is that we can make a new mast and standing rigging to replace the old, tapering the new mast. |
 Stitch welding the double cut side taper in preparation for squeeze, to return oval shape, the seam welding,add the crane and off to the anodiser. |
 Turning down the old mast plug to match the new mast. First use of the four jaw chuck on the new lathe. |
Turning down the old mast plug to suit the new mast. |
 On the road. Yes – Keeley Marine will home deliver and set up your mast for you, if that is your desire. |
 Where are they now? Have a guess. |
 St George’s Basin is just next door to Jervis Bay |
 Hampden Bridge, kangaroo valley – first opened in may 1898. And looking very fine indeed. |
 First things first – unloading the old mast then the new! |
 Getting ready to position the new mast – fixing a tape to measure the sweep back. |
 Reconnecting the shrouds,running the lines, and double checking in preparation for the first raising. |
 A new mast and all is well in the world. |
 Checking the old sail and new mast get along. Sweet! |
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And we couldn’t go all that way without a quick look at the bay. |
 St George’s basin |