This part will be done towards the end of the project. The mast and boom are literally the last two pieces
of hardware to go onto the boat. I am planning on painting the boom with the white Petit Easypoxy. The mast is in good shape,
but for a good scrubbing with bleach. The Florida climate is ideal for allowing anything to grow fungus, mildew
and assorted green things.
26 July - I have painted the boom and attached hardware. I have pulled the halyards and topping lift.
Turnbuckles
Got a nasty surprise when I was working on the turnbuckles. The backstay turnbuckle is cracked approx. 2/3 around the
barrel! Scary. I'll post pics as soon as I can. I have disassembled each barrel from the swage and toggle, cleaning the threads
with WD40 and a brass brush. I use the brass brush so as to not leave any broken metal wire and possible source of rust. I
then coated the threads lightly with white grease, screwing the barrel back into the swage pin and the toggle pin. I will
replace the barrel bodies with open bodies, as funds permit. Far more safe, and here in Florida, no chance for mud dauber
wasps to build their nests in the holes of the barrels. (It's amazing how many holes there are in a boat for these creatures
to build their nests!)
