We recently worked with Brian Phipps of Windsport to provide a suitable protective coating for a new mast that was to be installed.
During the Falmouth Classics Regatta, Brian's crew experienced a de-masting incident. Although they were able to safely return the boat to shore, the damage to the mast was significant.
Brian created a fantastic article to show the boating community how he prepared and varnished the mast from start to finish, and explains the history and incident that occurred.
Shrimper Ysella 298, lost her mast a few months back when a 40kt line squall came out of nowhere while sailing under one reef on a broad reach in Falmouth harbour. The rig carried on but the hull could not accelerate that fast resulting in the mast parting at the gaff jaws and going over the side. In true Shrimper style the rig was recovered by the crew onboard, the outboard was started and we motored back to the mooring unassisted. Everyone safe with just some mast damage and assessment to be carry out.
The Repair
With a replacement bear wood mast ordered and delivered thanks to Windsport the next decision revolved around which was the best and most suitable wood protection, varnish or wood-stain preservative. Both look to do the same job, but after discussions with various suppliers and professional marine users, the decision was clear, a number of coats of two pack varnish.
The Teamac technical team proved extremely helpful with advice on either option and having looked at some of the results using their products the Teamac Two Pack High Perfromance Varnish was ordered along with some “Teamac Thinners” for the initial 1st coat.
Application of 2 pack varnish is a little more involved than regular varnish or wood stain but the result and protection is proving well worth the extra effort.
How it all worked out!
Varnishing the mast
Step 1
With the mast wood surfaces sanded down with a very fine sandpaper and degreased the 1st coat of two pack was thinned by 10% of weight to allow the varnish to soak into the wood surface as a sealer, thoroughly mixed and applied with a good quality brush by hand. The Teamac product sheet suggests leaving minimum 16 hours and maximum 27 hours between coats to maximise the bonding between coats.
1 coat thinned down
Step 2
16 hours later, with the 1st coat hardened off a very light rub down to remove and dust etc and the 1st real coat of Teamac 2 pack varnish was applied by brush. As with all 2 packs getting the mix right and thoroughly stirring was essential but the application was straight forward, providing the varnish was evenly spread followed by a finishing stroke.
1st full coat of varnish applied
Step 3
Following the product sheet reference application conditions, the second and third coat followed within the time frame and it was impressive how after three coats (as recommended by Teamac) the finish and depth of protection built up.
2nd Coat 3rd Coat
Step 4
Given the ease of application and probably not needed, using a belt and braces approach, we applied a fourth coat for good measure ensuring the lustre of finish.
Result
"A well protected mast, looking great, with a surface that is ready to repel the elements . The product was straight forward to apply supported by some great technical back should you need it. This coming winter I will certainly be applying the same Teamac product to protect the other spars and varnished areas on the boat"
Article written by Brian Phipps Owner of the Shrimper Ysella 298