New mast in old boat and what to do about the partners

[Brion Toss]

Hi again,
That kind of spacing would be a net loss; too much material removed. Wood is strongest in compression, and that is what the bolts will be applying, as the mast tries to move them sideways. Bushings are your friend here, providing surface area.
Another way to look at it is that the mast doesn't need all that partner surface area; there is just no way to have any less. I think that as few as 6 bolts, properly bushed, would be fine.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss