موسوعة اليخوت
Aluminium mast
Aluminium masts on cruising yachts: corrosion and hardware checks, FairHelm survey flags, and limits on guessing spar life from paint.
ما هذا
An aluminium mast is a spar extruded or built from aluminium alloy, the common production choice for cruising and many racing yachts.
Anchor
Baltic fleets are full of alloy spars with stainless fasteners. FairHelm meets white powder at the mast step, seized screws in the sail track, and undocumented weld repairs after yard bumps.
FairHelm judgment
FairHelm judgment: corrosion at the step, elongated fastener holes, and soft rivets matter more than a fresh coat of spar paint. Alloy is repairable, not invisible risk.
Limits
We do not invent section modulus remaining from a dock photo. Rig survey and maker spar notes rule.
الأسئلة الشائعة
Q: Does anodising mean no corrosion forever?
A: No. Coatings wear. Crevices at fittings still attack.
Q: Are stainless screws always safe in aluminium?
A: They are common. Isolation, torque, and crevice water still matter.
Q: Is aluminium always heavier than carbon?
A: Often yes for similar stiffness targets. Exact numbers depend on the spar design.