John, we would like to see images to shows us how this is done. Thanks... Larry H. M-15 hull # old 189 in Sacramento -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of SALGLESSER@aol.com Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 7:56 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Mast gates John Butler asked me to post this for him as he's traveling. I tried to post his note before, but it didn't go through for some reason. I thought to try again. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---- ---------------------------------------------- My first 15 "Joy" had the cutout slot, so having more time than money, and no web yet, I just bought some aluminum angle iron and cut out pieces that fit both over the cutout and screwed them to the mast either side of the slot. No more slot, and slugs and boom slide moved freely through the slot and did not fall out. My last 15 (now Sal and Gail Glesser's "JustUs") had the bent-open slot, so judicious blows with a light hammer, and with a stout backing inside the slot, allowed the bent sections to be "hammered" back into the original position. For a new slot where none existed, waterpump pliers with an appropriate shield over the outer jaw would allow gradual bending out of the slot edge until a new opening was completed. Slow and easy does it very neatly. One eighth inch S/S cotter keys slipped through appropriate holes either side of the slot provided for a boom stopper at the correct height for a boom tent, and a stop just above the new new slot for a low boom position for the "first reef." Quicker than putting in a first reef in the canvas, and very effective. Slack off the topping lift first, of course. Now you have a good reef, and two more available. I have sailed mine in 20-plus knot winds with "all three" reefs in, and the jib reefed, too, of course. Amazing how well she sails like that, and better balanced than all canvas up. If this isn't clearer than mud, ask more Qs. -- John R. Butler theoldcat@cox.net _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!