Hi Brett,

my original mossie mast was too heavy to lift up also. It had been filled with foam, which made it heavy. Your mast may also be full of foam, the foam tends to hold moisture in which can lead to corrosion as you describe.

A new mast will be much easier to handle, as well as being stronger <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />. The upper diamonds is certainly something I haven't seen on a Mossie before either, but different things have been tried over the years. Somebody obviously didn't want the top of the mast to bend sideways <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />. definatly leave them off new mast this will keep it lighter as well.

Just thinking about something else to check, stays often seem to break strands on boats that haven't been used for a while. Inspect carefully and if any strands are broken or signs of rust discolouration, I would advise replacing them.

Regards Gary. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />