My Nacra 5.8 mast support post is slightly bent aft. I think that it happened when I was taking the mast down at the end of last season. The pin to hold the mast step on the ball seemed to bind. The bend is from the crossbar to the ball and seems to be about 15 degrees. Do you think this significantly weakens the support? Has anyone sailed with one bent? Is it still functional or should it be replaced immediately? I have a new mast support post, just being lazy I guess because I guess the post will have to be cut to remove it. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for all replies.

Rusty
N5.8
H 14

I would recommend replacing the mast post - use a hack saw and cut the old one off (since you will not be able to back the nut off the bent part). If it bends the rest of the way while sailing, you will dismast and could damage the mast, the front beam, yourself, or someone onboard with you. It's not worth the risk.

I agree with Jake..... Not worth the risk. Here is a icture or two of what happens when you don't have everything associated with the mast post operating perfectly....

Another showing the bent post when I had the ball extended too far from the beam. I call this one "Learning Curve".

I sailed my 6.0 for years like that. As long as the post is tightened properly with the nut it should be fine.

I screwed another bolt on top of the first one in an attempt to stiffen that portion of the threads... Seemed to work...