Finn wooden mast restoration

[Finnsailor]

I have just acquired a Fairey Finn, K32. I have two wooden Collar masts and booms which are in need of some serious work before I can use them this summer. The spars, like the hull, have been in storage indoors for over 40 years. I have heard tales of people stripping back to bear wood and applying linseed oil before applying umpteen coats of varnish.

What is the best thing to do?
How do I preserve the masts for use?
What is the best varnish to use?

[chris]

You could give Jeremy Freeland at collars a ring. I'm sure he would be very happy to give you any advice and would probably know just what was originally used etc and would also undertake any repair work too if things like the glued joints are beginning to fail.

http://www.collars.co.uk/site/

[Brookesy]

Welcome Martin,
I'm sure PeterV will be along shortly to offer some advice as he still uses his wooden rig when the conditions suit.

[PeterV]

I'd agree with Chris that it may well be worth asking Collars. My Bruder mast was treated by saturating it with Deks Olje #1 then overcoating with one coat of Deks Olje #2. It's been varnished since with ordinary varnish but I think I'm going to go back to the Deks Olje treatment as it seems to look good and take the flexure well.

[Finnsailor]

Thank you all I will contact Collar masts and see what they say.

Martin