More Mast Tabernacle Questions

[pnichols]

I have started the reconditioning of my mast. I will be replacing the spreaders, forestay, shrouds and adding a tabernacle. (and replacing all the non-stainless bolts and screws used by the previous owner with stainless pins, bolts and nuts )

As I mentioned in a previous post this is an older mast that had been tabernacled at one time. But then someone re-sleeved it back into a single piece. They riveted a sleeve around both the top and bottom sections.

I removed the sleeve today and also found that it has some sort of insert installed. I guess to give it strength.

So here is my question. Do I need any type of re-enforcing when I install the tabernacle?
I am going to use the tabernacle from DR Marine. I assumed I would simply be able to rivet this tabernacle to each section. But now after seeing this metal insert I question whether or not I will need additional reinforcement.

If anyone else has installed a tabernacle? I would like to hear about how you went about this and any other advice you may have in this regard.

Thanks

[dannyb9]

i added a tabernacle a few weeks ago. the directions that came with the dr tabernacle are good. i was a little confused by the directions to screw the bottom section of the mast to the mast step but the rest was very clear.
i found that my jibsheets were sometimes getting caught on the tabernacle or downhaul cleat during tacking. anybody have a solution? i'm going to try running a 1/8" line from the front deck cleat back through the jibsheet turning block above the tabernacle and then cleated next to the jib cleat on top of the cuddy (i have extra cleats there) with enough tension to keep the jibsheets above the tabernacle.

[Peterw11]

"I found that my jibsheets were sometimes getting caught on the tabernacle or downhaul cleat during tacking."

I found a simple, if a bit inelegant, solution and describe it in an earlier post.

I fashioned a cover out of an inverted, plastic, Tupperware-like, bowl, with a base diameter of a little over 4" and a top diameter of about 6-7".

I cut a hole in the bottom in the general shape of the mast section, and trimmed the depth of the bowl to about 5", just enough to cover the tabernacle, but shallow enough to avoid interference with the halyards or mast mounted blocks. I slit the bowl from top to bottom, and by spreading it open, I'm able to slip it around the tabernacle. A strip of duct tape holds it in place.

When tacking, the sheets slip easily over the bowl, regardless of wind speed or direction.

Not the prettiest solution, but it works.

[dannyb9]

i like it! a little flying saucer at the base of my mast... maybe i can find a white one to match the color of the deck. thanks for a creative idea peter : )