compression strut [R09]: A structural component that supports the mast of a sailboat and transfers the load from the mast to the hull, enhancing stability.
You can counteract the pressure that the downward force on a mast transfers to the deck in one of two ways, by:
- Placing a vertical post directly under the mast step (where the pressure is placed on the deck) down to the keelson.
- Install a deck beam of larger cross section laterally in the boat to carry the load to the sides of the boat.
You will need to understand how this force is distributed if you have acquired the boat from someone else. If you cannot determine how or if the load is controlled, then you will have to add something to remedy the problem.
There are two ways you may accomplish this:
- Vertical strut – a straight grained hardwood dowel at least ½ inch in diameter is adequate to transfer the load to the keelson.
- Deck beam option – make an additional deck beam that fits nicely up against the deck and the sides of the hull. This should be at least twice the cross-sectional area that the other deck beams in the boat. For additional strength you can laminate two pieces of wood together as the glue joint will increase the strength of the final beam. An exceptionally strong deck beam can be made by gluing two pieces of 3/16-inch Baltic birch plywood together. The multiple glue joins and alternating grain significantly increase the strength. Epoxy in place.
Source
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- Baltic Birch – 3/16- x 12- x 12-inch Baltic Birch Plywood
- Hardwood Dowel – Hardware Store or Lumber Yard
