Posted by pmouligne@… (pmouligne@…)
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Hello,
I had the same problem with my Freedom 44, 15 years ago. The main mast rotated about 15 deg when I was sailing downwind in heavy air wing to wing on the way back from Bermuda.
I was lucky enough to make it home, under very shortened sail on the main, without the mast totally coming out of the step (very tight boom vang and jib/main halyards...)
After talking to TPI at that time (Paul Miller and Brian Barer) I followed their recommendation for best solution for any fixes of that problem on all freedoms:
1- On the inside of the mast laminate 2 3/4" thick by 2" high by 4"long aluminum plates, following the curve of the mast, diametrically opposed to each other. Use some filled (high strength) epoxy for bedding and filleting the aluminum plates. Then use biaxial, 4" wide, glass strips all around the inside of the mast to glass in these 2 aluminum plates. I would recommend at least 3 layers of 17oz type of materials.
2- Drill and tap each plate to receive 1/2" SS bolts that will match the holes drilled in the outside aluminum bottom plates holding the base of the mast.
3- Put the mast back in place and tighten the bolts in place using lock washers. Make sure that collar is tight all around.
Depending on the situation at the bottom of each mast it might be easier to take that collar off to match the holes properly and then put the collar back in. (make sure to mark everything properly before removing so it all matches...) Depending on proper access with the mast in place
it might be easier to use one 1/2" stainless steel threaded rod to go through with a couple of lock nuts at each end.
Neither one of my masts ever turned again after that fix. It might sound a bit complicated but it really is not if you have a good fiberglass man...
Patrick Mouligne F44 #85 "Frog-Kiss"
PS: Friendly reminder, Frog-Kiss is still on the market. She is beautiful and has many proven offshore single/short handed miles, including 2 overall fleet victories in Bermuda 1-2. She is better than new and probably would cost over $3/4 million to duplicate today.
She is presently in Virgin Gorda, BVI, and I shall bring her back to Newport in the spring.