How to Fix a Bent Mast

A bent mast will unbalance your boat and make it hard to operate the rigging. Most minor bends can be fixed with a few simple pieces of equipment and some brute force. If the mast has received a kink, it is beyond repair and will have to be replaced with a new one.

Things You'll Need

  • Bench
  • Belt clamps
  • Rags
  • Electric barbecue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Roll the mast on a flat surface to find the center of the bend. Lay a thick layer of rags down on the bench and lay the mast over them with the center of the bend over the edge of the bench.

    • 2

      Roll the mast so that it is bent upward away from the floor. Run the belt clamps around the bench and mast, one at each end of the bench. Weight the bench if it is not secured to the ground.

    • 3

      Apply downward pressure to the free end of the mast. Pull down gently enough that you can feel the bend. Slide the mast along the length of the bend giving gentle pressure all the way along the bend. Remove it from the straps and check the mast for straightness. Repeat if needed.

    • 4

      Place the bent section into an electric barbecue and heat for two or three minutes to soften the section for bending. Do this outdoors. This only works for wooden masts and will probably ruin your paintwork. However, a quick lick of paint will see it good again.