50/800

[Wolfmann]

I am building a 50/800 class sailboat. It is the Bingo kit from Dumas. I hjave had it for a while and now start to build it. I am looking if anybody has information on replacing the wood mast with an aluminum one. If so I would appreciate any info where to by the mast.
Thanks

[Wolfmann]

Well the boat is under construction finaly. Here are some pic's.

[mjmsprt40]

Today's your lucky day. The reason being that I have that same model, and early on in the construction I replaced the wood with aluminum. That was in '79, so this boat isn't exactly new. Last year, I broke the mast in a most regrettable incident involving a sudden gust of wind and a picnic table, so I had to replace it. A search turned up Ludwig Yachts, which happens to produce aluminum blanks perfect for the purpose. You'll want the smaller one, 1/2" diameter. Fittings might still be a problem but I think he can help you there, too. Here's the link to his home page, by my experience he's honest so you shouldn't have any difficulties.

http://www.ludwigrcyachts.com/

One difference: The new mast has a luff slot, in order to use it you'll need to feed a cord through the luff of your main sail. That works way better than the system Dumas used with the wood mast, though.

[Wolfmann]

Thanks for the info. I have actually talked the them and some how my order was never shipped. I called 4 -5 times and it was always I am sorry been very busy but it will get shipped ASAP. Well I still don't have it and send him an e-mail to forget it. I found a site that has good tubing I will get it from them and make do with the Dumas set up for now.

[mjmsprt40]

Sorry to hear that Ludwig let you down, I guess I'll have to search for a better supplier in that case.

[RickE]

Try checking-out the Great Basin Model Yachting website at: http://gbmy.com-they should have the mast and any other hardware pieces you need for you hull. I've ordered stuff from them with no problems.
RickE

[Wolfmann]

Thanks for the info. I will check them out and see what they have.

[Wolfmann]

Here are some pics from the planking. I am done with the planking and have trimmed the planks, sanding is done and a good finish put on. Next installing the hardware. I am waiting on the material to make the mast.

[mjmsprt40]

One of these days I'll have to do something like that, I suppose. I left my deck white, painted the hull blue. The joint between hull and deck keeps the water on the right side of the boat but I fear I can't say better than that for my handywork. It was a bit of a mess.

Your deck job looks pretty good, good eye for detail!