I gathered a small band of locals to help me get the spar off of the Vindhler's deck and onto some saw horses in the back yard. I have been hitting it with varnish and making some small repairs. I capped the bottom of the spar with a layer of fiberglass and then coated the base with epoxy. This is to prevent moisture from wicking up into the wood. The masts are beautiful even with all sorts of stains and blemishes. I wooded the mast 5 years ago (remove all the hardware and varnish), and it could probably use it again sometime in the next 2 or 3 years. I have been repairing all defects in the wood with epoxy and varnish. I have become a fan of epoxy as a base coat as long as it is a flexible penetrating variety.The Sitka Spruce main mast and mizzen have performed well for me, but I can't help wonder if they will make it in a prolonged event of high wind and waves. I have replaced the head stay, cap shrouds and back stay. The rigging that I removed was never pu
t under serious duress by the previous owners. Sailing on the great lakes is different than the salty ocean. It is easier to tuck into a harbor each night, and overnight passages are rare. So a Great Lake sailor rarely sees heavier weather. I suppose the same can be said for most fair weather coastal sailors. I imagine the best I can do is to keep the spars strong and well protected with varnish. I use Epifanes from Holland. I have about six coats now, but will have at least 12 before I step it on the boat again.
