Two Mast Splices ?

[Douglas]

Ahoy All ,,,, Out here in South East Asia, creativity is necessary, if rigging replacement is needed. I found an aluminum extruder that is extruding a new aluminum mast for my BCC, which the end result may even be less expensive than inporting a new mast from Forespar. My surprise is how inexpensive the aluminum mast extrusion actually is.
After reading Nigel Caulder, I decided to build in,,,, as Brion, says,,, "a reserve of neglect",,, and anodize the aluminum mast instead of painting it. Now here is the rub !
Checking around, I have not found an anodizer that has a tank long enough ( 20' long being the maximum ) to anodize a complete mast, at least not in Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore ,,,,,, soooo ,,,,, if it would be acceptable to splice my newly extruded mast in two places, creating 3 sections, each 20' or less, I could avoid the expensive LPU paint job.
Does anyone have a comment on making two splices on a 45' double spreader, cruising spar ?

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Although two splices will put some extra weight in, there's nothing structurally problematic. In fact, careful placement following mind-numbing calculations might even allow you a somewhat smaller section. But just focus on generous overlap and tapered ends for the interior pieces. See if you can avoid having a splice at the spreaders, as it makes mounting hardware difficult. Keep the other splice low, for weight.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Westwind]

Just purchased the 1st mast extrusion out the door from "Rolly Taskers Sails" in Phuket. They now have a full riggers shop. It will be in operation by Dec 2007. This is the only outlet I know of in SE Asia. Prices are about 1/2 of Australia. Very good quality.
Yacht Westwind