Dinghy mast damage ranges from replaceable fittings and cosmetic marks to permanent bends, cracks and composite damage that can affect the structural behaviour of the spar. The first job is to identify what has actually been damaged before deciding whether repair is sensible.
Common damage areas
Permanent bend or crease
A mast that remains visibly bent after unloading needs assessment. A sharp crease is more serious than normal elastic mast bend under rig tension.
Cracks and fastener damage
Check around spreader brackets, gooseneck fittings, vang attachments, halyard exits and other cut-outs or fastener holes.
Heel and masthead
Impact damage, worn sheaves, cracked fittings and distorted interfaces can sometimes be local component issues rather than extrusion failure.
Corrosion / seized fasteners
On aluminium spars, corrosion and damaged threads can complicate otherwise simple fitting replacement.
Carbon surface damage
Composite spars should be checked for cracking, crushing, delamination or impact damage rather than judged only by surface scratches.
Document before dismantling
Photograph the damage, the complete mast, section markings and nearby fittings before parts are removed.
Repair or replacement?
What to measure before replacing the mast
- Overall mast length.
- Mast section or section dimensions.
- Heel and deck/step interface.
- Gooseneck height and fitting type.
- Spreader position, length and sweep.
- Shroud and forestay attachment positions.
- Halyard, sheave and exit arrangements.
Do not straighten or repair blindly
A mast is a loaded structural component. Heating, aggressive straightening, drilling, welding or composite patching without an appropriate repair method can create additional problems even when the spar looks better afterwards.
Damaged dinghy mast?
Send clear photographs of the damage, the complete mast and any section markings, together with the boat class. We can help identify the replacement or assessment route.