Tortuga’s rigging plan is a conversion to a single-mast sloop. The current plan has two levels of spreaders, with Colligo Para-D synthetic standing rigging under consideration. Final rope sizes, fittings and lengths remain to be selected with the rigger.
The drawings are working documents. Photographs and older measurements are useful references, but some dimensions still need to be checked aboard before they can become cut lengths or hardware orders.
The mast plan also needs to make room for the wind sensor, VHF antenna and lights. Getting those details into the same plan is part of the work before installation.
HELP IDENTIFY OUR MAST · OCTOBER 27, 2026
The fittings that might tell its story.
These are photographs and video stills of the actual aluminum mast purchased for Tortuga, from a Captain-identified 1972 Ericson 46. The donor installation was keel-stepped, with two sets of spreaders and a chain-driven spinnaker-pole lift.
We are looking for the mast builder, extrusion supplier and original rig details. Sparcraft, LeFiell and Ericson’s own mast shop are research leads; no manufacturer has been confirmed for this particular mast. A fitting may also be a later modification.
Recognize the chain mechanism, masthead, tangs or track car? Original drawings, part numbers, maker markings and comparable owner photographs would help. Select any photograph to examine the full-size image. Video stills retain the resolution of the original recording.
Masthead and axle cover. Projecting three-pin masthead assembly, welded attachment and flat two-screw axle cover.Shroud attachments and spreader roots. Paired tang plates, swaged-eye wire terminals, cross-bolt, welded spreader-root ears and screwed external track.Roller chain beside the pole track. Walkaround video frame showing the chain run and adjacent external track.Pole-lift attachment detail. Walkaround video frame showing the projecting fitting beside the chain and track.Track car from underneath. Walkaround video frame showing the sliding car, wheels and projecting pin assembly.
Please leave a note below or email the Captain with the source of any identification.
Related references from our research library
General background for the subjects discussed here, not evidence that a particular method or system has been approved or installed aboard Tortuga.
Seldén Mast · Manufacturer technical directory General rigging reference directory. Inclusion does not identify Tortuga’s mast as a Seldén product or approve a synthetic standing-rigging conversion.
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