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Tight fitting top and bottom mast sections

I had the same problem on another RS boat (RS100), where dry lube and light sanding were insufficient to solve the problem. An experienced dinghy repairman suggested silicone grease (often used by divers), and that did the trick. Do not substitute petroleum grease, which is much less durable and waterproof.

24/05/2021 02:58:00
[email protected]
Posts: 64

My boat is 2014 vintage.

In all the time I have been sailing it I have had only one instance of the upper - lower mast joint binding such that I couldn't separate the two after sailing.

A helper suggested dowsing the joint with fresh water, which eased the joint and they could be parted.

Ever since on assembly I have always dipped the upper mast male - plug section in fresh water before joining with the lower mast section.

And have never since had a binding on subsequent parting; on any of the three: 9, 7, 5 rigs I sail.

Sources of resh water: a neihgbour boat in the boat park that has an over deck top cover that gathers a good pool of rainwater, the lake, drinking water from the Aero water bottle!

21/05/2021 09:26:00
Jonathan Rickels
Posts: 120

Try silica spray.....it worked for me when I too found splitting the mast difficult....even with two of us and twisting (perhaps we should have twisted the mast!).

18/05/2021 11:20:00
Q
Posts: 3

18/05/2021 11:08:00
Aerobasol
Posts: 29

Thank you for the quick response.

18/05/2021 09:44:00
ejparsons
Posts: 6

Thank you so much Peter - I have some dry Lube in my rope bag so will get that out. Ed

18/05/2021 09:43:00
ejparsons
Posts: 6

Had the same problem with my 7 rig. First just try spraying some McLube on the top section where it fits into the bottom. If this doesn't do the trick, try sanding the "male" part of the top section...VERY lightly...with 400 or 600 sandpaper. You only want to take off the absolute minimum necessary.

18/05/2021 00:10:00
AeroVT
Posts: 7

Hi Ed,
Nice to see you at Lymington on Saturday and well done on your baptism of fire!

You are right that a tight fit is optimum. It is vital to have them straight when putting them together (laying down on the flat deck works well) and be sure to keep them both free of sand, grit and rinse salt off periorically. To take appart give it a little twist whilst pulling with one hand on each part should see it done normally.

I suggest you persevere and see if with more familarity it becomes easier.
Ask an experienced RS Aero sailor at your home club to have a try to see if it seems normal or tighter to them (shame we didn't have a look at it on Saturday).
Maybe consider some dry lube.
If it remains an issue consult RS Customer Support and if a light sanding is recomended be sure not to overdo it.

17/05/2021 19:10:00
Posts: 0

I recently bought an RS Aero 9 and putting together the top and bottom mast sections is relatively straight forward. Pulling them apart is another matter! I need someone to help me as they seem to be a really tight fit. I have just bought a second hand RS Aero 7 lower mast section and if anything this is worse. I guess a tight fit is best but any ideas on how to make this easier? Thanks in advance.

17/05/2021 08:53:00
ejparsons
Posts: 6

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Tight fitting top and bottom mast sections

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