How to: mast from a white cedar tree

[qm]

I need another mast for my rebuilt,Adirondack white pine, Perrine sneakbox. About 10 years ago, I cut down and stored to cure, about 10- 4" to 6" dia x 20-25 ft long trees(good taper because I still have 3"+ dia at the top-and they have been limbed). The boat will have a big gaff sail made for a sneakbox(already have the gaff). My concern is to seal and hide the limb "knots" on the tree trunk(paint). I'll probably just make the mast tall and try the sail to see what I like. I also have some smaller stock to make a boom or I could leave it loose footed. I might like a sail above the gaff for light airs. What do you imagine on this project? QM Bob

[Bob Smalser]

The boat will have a big gaff sail... I suspect if made to a scantling that looks right for the boat, those cedar saplings will bend like fishing poles before they crack at the lowest knot. Make them thick enuf that they don't bend and crack, and they'll look like clubs. But it's a small boat, so I could be wrong.

Drawknife and plane one out and give it a try with temporary lashings before switching to a stiffer wood like your local spruce. If it works, then worry about the cosmetics. Any sealer like shellac will seal the knots before finishing.

[ 10-10-2005, 10:00 PM: Message edited by: Bob Smalser ]

[qm]

Sounds like somethings which I will put in the plan! TKs Bob