by tomodda » Sat Aug 21, 2021 3:10 am
Unfortunately, breaking/replacing the mast is the "Achilles Heel" of our otherwise relatively cheap boats. The cost of shipping can easily be more than the cost of the new mast, or even of the boat itself! Reason being that it can only go by commercial freight and needs special packing and handling.
Anyway, Anstigmat is right, your best bet is someone else's project boat, in driving distance. Craigslist is your friend, use searchallcraigslist.org. There's a $300 project DS in New Hampshire right now, for instance. Launch your boat into the grass, drive up to their boat with your trailer. Park the trailer nearby, pick up their boat and trailer. Drive to nearest dump yard, pay the fee, "leave the gun, take the cannoli." Drive home with your new mast on your old trailer. Shame to junk a hull, but that's where most end up sooner or later. Strip any and all parts that may be of use, right down to the centerboard. If the trailer is salvageable, take that to (strap it on top of your good trailer). May take a few months to find your perfect "junker" boat, but they're out there!