Mast Tang Replacement

[benjiwoodboat]

Are mast tangs replaced at the same interval of chainplates? They are essentially mast chainplates right? Or, because tangs are not going thru a deck, where corrosion is accelerated, are tangs a little less worrisome?

To test mine, can I do a similar dye test as one does for chainplates?

Im pretty sure these tangs are 30 years old, been in the tropics all their life. Would they qualify for a replacement? Boat is a Ta Shing Norseman 447. Not sure who supplied the mast and hardware, but I know Taiwan metal is notorious for poor quality.

If replacement is the best option -- where to find these… or are they going to have to be custom replicated? Is titanium a good option for tangs?

Thanks,
Ben