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Storing your Mast

Put Your Mast to Bed Correctly

Whether it’s stepped or unstepped, at the end of the season, be sure to square away the rig for winter storage. “Hands-On Sailor” from our October 2011 issue.

Signs of Trouble If your boat has paint over aluminum fittings or structures such as the mast, be on the lookout for early signs of corrosion. • Once moisture intrudes, blisters will develop, allowing corrosion to spread. • Even the smallest cracks in the paint can let in moisture. Pay attention to areas near screws and hardware. • A gooey white substance or a white powder indicates aluminum hydroxide has formed.

Bare Is Better

Painted aluminum requires constant vigilance against cracks that can lead to damage from corrosion.

Storing your Mast

Put Your Mast to Bed Correctly

Whether it’s stepped or unstepped, at the end of the season, be sure to square away the rig for winter storage. “Hands-On Sailor” from our October 2011 issue.

Signs of Trouble If your boat has paint over aluminum fittings or structures such as the mast, be on the lookout for early signs of corrosion. • Once moisture intrudes, blisters will develop, allowing corrosion to spread. • Even the smallest cracks in the paint can let in moisture. Pay attention to areas near screws and hardware. • A gooey white substance or a white powder indicates aluminum hydroxide has formed.

Bare Is Better

Painted aluminum requires constant vigilance against cracks that can lead to damage from corrosion.

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