To sand or not to sand?
 

I have a 26 year old 22' sailboat and am wondering if most people sand
their aluminum masts or just leave them alone. Seems to me if it were
smoother, drops of moisture would not cling in the morning dew, but at the
same time I realize that the aluminum oxidation already there protects the
aluminum underneath. Suggestions?

Dont sand unless you are planning to give a nice yummy coat of paint.

DP
"mike92105" wrote in message
news:1vPVe.240973$E95.36482@fed1read01...
I have a 26 year old 22' sailboat and am wondering if most people sand
their aluminum masts or just leave them alone. Seems to me if it were
smoother, drops of moisture would not cling in the morning dew, but at the
same time I realize that the aluminum oxidation already there protects the
aluminum underneath. Suggestions?

Aluminum oxide is in reality corundum or in common terms,
SAPPHIRE!!!!!!!!!!
Why would you want to destroy your SAPPHIRE coated mast????

G


"mike92105" wrote in message
news:1vPVe.240973$E95.36482@fed1read01...
I have a 26 year old 22' sailboat and am wondering if most people
sand
their aluminum masts or just leave them alone. Seems to me if it were
smoother, drops of moisture would not cling in the morning dew, but at the
same time I realize that the aluminum oxidation already there protects the
aluminum underneath. Suggestions?

rather than sanding you can polish to remove the look of age and salt,
but if you do so you 'll need to use a protective wax on the mast and
then keep polishing it regularly. dont start if your not the dilligent
clean-your bathroom-with-a-toothbrush type.