I’m not a mechanical engineer, but my guess is that a mechanically fastened stainless steel track in that location will not materially weaken the mast (if at all). If this were an issue, masts would be known to fail at this location. I’ve never seen or heard of a mast doing so.
I think you may be over-worrying. From: Bruce Whitmore via CnC-List <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2025 11:55 AM To: Stus-List <[email protected]> Cc: Bruce Whitmore <[email protected]> Subject: Stus-List Installing whisker pole track on mast Hello all, This may seem kind of obvious, but I want to install a ring for a whisker pole on our 1994 C&C 37/40+. I found a track and ring, and there are holes about every 5" for 1/4" x 20 flathead screws. The idea of drilling holes every " or so on the front of the mast makes me think about weakening the mast strength, but I see tracks on masts all the time. Am I over worrying it? Yes, that is SOP for me... :) Bruce Whitmore 1994 C&C 37/40+ "Astralis" Madeira Beach, FL
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