i have a 83 SC17 the mast is kinda ugly when i got it it had some corrosion little white chicken pocks. i buff the whole thing with rubbing compound and the specs are now smooth but still visible. the finish is brushed, but i want to paint or something to make it look better. can someone suggest the proper paint to use and what kinda prep do i need to do for the paint to stick? i was told alumn is a tough material to paint

personaly, i wouldn't sweat the mast paint...take the cash and put it torwards a new jib, this will give you more bang for the buck. save the cosmetic stuff until you get the boat tuned in like you like it...the jib would be the biggest upgrade you can do now, speed, stability, tacking, all get better with a jib.

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bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
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I agree--get a jib first

BUT, if you really want to work on that mast, try JB Weld. It sticks to metal well and is close in color. Clean up the area well and dab a little on. Use some clear packing tape or wax paper to smooth the dab out and you won't have to sand.

If you have holes caused by that corrosion, I would definitely address them. The worst thing as far as safety is to have a mast that fills up with water and turns you turtle. Any hole will allow air to rush out of the mast when water is coming in somewhere else.

If you really want to paint your mast, use appliance paint. It is tough. White is a really good color that won't get too hot to touch in the hot sun.