Hi Martha, Probably the first mistake you ever made? I think the major question would be if the tube is kinked? If the tube isn't kinked, you might be able to straighten it. We had a Monty come through the Sage Marine boat house a few weeks ago with a bent mast. Jerry and Dave set the mast on the ground with props and jumped on it until is was straight. Worked just fine and the boat went on to sail. Maybe we can Jerry to chime in with his "tricks"? sal M15 - "Justus" - 1986 - #361 S17 - "Air Born" - 2011 - #001 In a message dated 6/18/2011 11:24:42 A.M. Mountain Daylight Time, marthaekwurtzel@aol.com writes: Yesterday while waiting to load my M-15 at a crowded boat launch, I failed to notice an overhanging tree branch and backed the boat's mast right into a high branch, just catching the tip of the mast and bending it forward in a severe curve from the halfway point upwards. Screams from the crowd ensued and although just a few feet had been traveled the Oak Tree did not give way and the mast now has a forward lean which seems to originate at about the half way point curving possibly 3 or 4 degrees.. I am crushed to have allowed such a stupid error. Can damage to the mast like this be corrected? Sign me, long- time- sailor- who-should- have- know- better. Martha 2001 M-15 Knot Head. Bone-head) _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet!