In the annals of yachting history, few names resonate as profoundly in the realm of sailboat spars as Metalmast Marine. While many boat builders are celebrated for their hulls and designs, Metalmast Marine carved out a unique and indispensable niche, becoming one of the world's foremost manufacturers of aluminum masts and rigging components. Based in Putnam, Connecticut, USA, the company's influence stretched across the globe, outfitting some of the most iconic sailing yachts of its era.
The Origin Story
Metalmast Marine began its journey in 1957, emerging as an offshoot of Metals Selling Corp. of Putnam, Connecticut. This founding placed the company at the vanguard of a burgeoning industry, making it among the earliest producers of aluminum spars worldwide. The decision to specialize in aluminum marked a significant shift in marine technology, moving beyond traditional wooden spars towards lighter, stronger, and more consistent alternatives. While specific founders are not widely documented, the connection to Metals Selling Corp. suggests a deep-rooted expertise in metallurgy and manufacturing, providing the perfect foundation for their ambitious venture into marine hardware.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Metalmast Marine rapidly ascended to prominence, quickly establishing itself as one of the largest aluminum spar builders globally. Their superior quality and production capacity made them the primary supplier of spars for many of the largest and most respected American boat builders, including industry giants such as Pearson, Tartan, and Ericson.
Over the decades, Metalmast Marine's products graced a diverse array of vessels, from nimble Lightning Class dinghies to grand 12-Meter yachts, showcasing the versatility and reliability of their designs. The company was renowned for its wide variety of mast sections, evolving from early plain oval extrusions to more advanced ovoid designs, often featuring integral tracks. This continuous innovation in spar technology ensured they remained at the forefront of the industry.
While Metalmast Marine's primary focus was on spar manufacturing, the company did, at times, venture into building a limited number of sailboats. This foray into complete boat production represented a broader, albeit minor, expansion of their capabilities. The enduring legacy of Metalmast Marine's rigging operation now largely resides with Rig-Rite of Rhode Island, USA, which acquired most of the original dies and continues to supply a comprehensive range of MetalMast spar replacement parts to the present day.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Metalmast Marine's reputation in the marine industry was unequivocally built on its expertise in aluminum spars. They were known for producing robust, well-engineered masts and booms that met the demanding specifications of a wide range of sailing yachts. Their design philosophy centered on strength, efficiency, and consistency in manufacturing. Rather than designing entire yachts, their innovation lay in perfecting the critical vertical components that powered them.
While Metalmast Marine's core business didn't typically involve collaborating with naval architects on hull designs, they did engage with designers for the few boats they built. Notably, the Metalmast 30 and the Metalmast 36 sailboats were designed by Peter Canning, indicating a partnership for their limited boat-building endeavors. This showcases their adaptability, even if their main contribution remained in spar production.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Metalmast Marine's most significant "models" were undoubtedly their various lines of aluminum spars and rigging components, which became standard equipment on countless production yachts. Their influence was indirect but profound, as they provided the backbone for many well-known sailboats from other builders.
However, Metalmast Marine also produced a "few" sailboats under their own brand. The most notable of these was the Metalmast 30, a fiberglass monohull introduced around 1978. Originally known as the Canning 30, this racer/cruiser was designed by Peter Canning. The Metalmast 36, also designed by Peter Canning, represents another example of their limited boat production. While production numbers for these specific boat models are not widely documented, their existence highlights a brief diversification from their core business. The primary impact of Metalmast Marine on the industry remains their role as a leading supplier of high-quality aluminum spars, a foundational component for countless sailing yachts.
The Builder Today
Today, the direct boat-building operations of Metalmast Marine are no longer active, as their focus was historically on spars. However, the legacy of their spar production continues to thrive through Rig-Rite of Rhode Island. Rig-Rite holds most of the original dies from Metalmast Marine's rigging operations, enabling them to supply a vast array of original MetalMast spar parts. This means that owners of classic yachts originally fitted with Metalmast spars can still find crucial replacement components, a testament to the enduring quality and design of Metalmast's products.
While the company is not actively building new yachts, its name is etched into the history of marine manufacturing as a pioneer and a dominant force in aluminum spar production. The "ownership experience" today largely revolves around maintaining and sailing yachts that once depended on Metalmast's robust and reliable rigging, supported by the ongoing availability of parts from Rig-Rite. The community of owners whose boats carry Metalmast spars implicitly benefits from the company's foundational contribution to the world of sailing.
