mast

[blackduck]

I'am getting ready to build a mast for a Winterhawk by Ken swan. I have a lot of nice clear eastern white pine sawed last winter. Could I use it the spar. It measures 3" at the bottom tapering to 11/2" at the top over all lenght is 20'I would use the birds mouth method.

[mmd]

The eastern pine should be fine, assuming that there are no checks or splits. The mechanical properties of pine is slightly less than Sitka spruce, but not so much as to cause you concern. If you are worried about it, increase the thickness of the plank stock by 1/8" and you will more than compensate for the differing strengths of the wood species.