Thread: Signal Mast

Most of these sort of details are quite application specific, with each designer having their own idea what looks and works best.

Most of the time they're solid and whittled to shape, though sometimes you'll see hollow or laminated pieces, particularly if they have much shape to them.

What style are you after and the general size, because I've drawn up several over the years (each one quite different) to suit the boat they lived on. Maybe a picture of your boat with a quick sketch of what you think is appropriate for her.

As a rule, there's not a lot of detail to one of these, possible a wiring chase, maybe internal flag halyards, etc., but mostly just exterior dimensions and sheave locations if applicable. Of course the modern vessel just uses a length of aluminum or stainless tubing, usually with a cast base and light fixture on top.

Originally Posted by PAR

Most of these sort of details are quite application specific, with each designer having their own idea what looks and works best.

Most of the time they're solid and whittled to shape, though sometimes you'll see hollow or laminated pieces, particularly if they have much shape to them.

What style are you after and the general size, because I've drawn up several over the years (each one quite different) to suit the boat they lived on. Maybe a picture of your boat with a quick sketch of what you think is appropriate for her.

As a rule, there's not a lot of detail to one of these, possible a wiring chase, maybe internal flag halyards, etc., but mostly just exterior dimensions and sheave locations if applicable. Of course the modern vessel just uses a length of aluminum or stainless tubing, usually with a cast base and light fixture on top.

Hi, thanks for your quick reply. Below is a link to several photos, of my boat as it is, and also with a rough mock-up mast attached. I also included a photo of another boat with something similar to what I am looking for.

As you indicated is practice these days, my boat currently has only a length of stainless steel tube, with a light fixture on top. I would like to replace this with a wooden signal mast, which should add character to the boat. But I am not sure about the best design, and also what would be the correct length, etc, to make sure everything looks in proportion. I would appreciate your advice. Please let me know if you would like any further details.

You can see the photos here: Index of /shilo

Thanks
Rick

The easiest way to get proportions right are to get some profiles of your boat and sketch in what looks about the right shape and style. With this in hand make some cardboard templates of these shapes and tape them up there, again getting back and taking pictures of the profile. Most designers have a "feel" for will look right on their designs. You'll just have to fiddle with it a bit, but it shouldn't be a difficult set of task.

As to construction, it can be built up, laminated or carved from solid stock. Considering your design it should be a fairly simple one with not a lot of rake, sweeping curves and the like. I also think you should have it towards the front of the pilothouse, rather then the aft as shown. The raised cockpit cover muddles it up a tad if it's aft. The rake should be a degree or two more then the windscreen rake for best results.

Thanks very much for your advice. I like the idea to make a cardboard template. I will have a go and see what happens!

Rick