Mast Hoops What Finish, if Any?

[Bobcat]

My mast is about done (I wooded it) and I will be rerigging my boat.

My mast hoops are in fair shape, but look to have no finish on them at all. Wise to oil them or not? If, so, what should I use. They stay on the mast all year, but are covered by the sail cover when not in use

Thanks

[G.Sherman]

Mine are varnished… seven coats.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff164/Gaz02026/PICT0033.jpg

[David W Pratt]

I lovingly varnished mine (which involves removing 4 cleats) and promptly broke one hoisting the sail. Evidently varnish on varnish is very high friction. Now they are varnished and covered in leather, and I rig a light line from the gaff jaws to keep them horizontal as they are hoisted. It is a piece of polyester parachute cord, tied to the line that holds the parrels and then clove hitched around each hoop. Four hoops hold the sail and a spare rides in the middle.
Good luck.

[Jim Budde]

Mine are varnished, too.

[Bobcat]

I think I got an answer from Pert Lowell's website:

"All hoops finished with 65%-35% mixture of pure linseed oil and pure gum turpentine."

[Bobcat]

Linseed and turps... one addendum... put it on hot. drives the linseed into the hoop, and then it crystallizes...

boiled linseed or nonboiled?

[McKee]

I have to admit, I've removed all the mast hoops from every boat I've sailed on under 65 feet, and used lacing instead. I'd just rather not varnish.

But when I had to refinish them I've just a spar varnish, or a mix of turpentine, linseed oil, and varnish. Or whatever was in the bosun's locker.

[BrianM]

If you go searching, you will find a thread by "RedBoPeep" where they covered their hoops in leather. Presumably, you'd then pick your favorite "grease" and lube them up on occasion.

I've done the same for my "Dyarchy" Ring for my bowsprit, as it is a bronze ring that slides under tension in and out on a varnished stick.