Hmmmm...has the mast got any visible welded attachments?
If yes, it may have been heat treated post-weld.
Or, you may be lucky and the material is weldable as is.
But probably not.

Perhaps the best approach is properly contoured doublers
RIVETTED to the mast. An A&P (airframe mechanic)
would know how to do this without raising too much stress.

But this is life or death stuff, no doubt. Take care

Brian Whatcott Altus OK

On Wed, 16 Feb 2005 21:34:05 -0500, "Roger Derby"
wrote:

Check around at your local small airports and ask the maintenance department
of the FBO if they have expertise in welding aluminum. (It's an art.) See
if you can find out in advance what the alloy is.

I would guess that taking it to the shop would be a challenge.

Roger

http://derbyrm.mystarband.net/default.htm

"Dave Buttle" wrote in message
...
Someone cut a nasty hole at the bottom of the mast (with square
corners). I have attached photos of the mast needing repair. Two of the
lower corners of the square hole have started to crack slightly. The hole
is not needed, so it could be closed up. The mast is 72' tall, stepped on
deck. I would be grateful if anyone could advise me of how, and with which
material, this repair could be welded up for maximum strength. The concern
is that this is an offshore boat. We are preparing for an North Atlantic
circumnavigation.
More on our trip preparations. www.blueeden.ca
Dave