Shining Armor: 4 Years of Real-World Nyalic Mast Protection

Chris and Marissa Neely remove the paint from Avocet’s mast. Marissa Neely

It has been four years since my husband and I restepped the mast aboard our 1979 Cheoy Lee 41, Avocet, following weeks of DIY refit work. Our project list included upgrading the hardware, extensive sanding and, as the final touch, applying Nyalic as a protective coat.

My husband would have preferred to leave the mast bare, but I wasn’t on board with the idea of aluminum looking shabby over time. Aluminum is one of the most popular metals for marine use because it’s durable and lightweight, and it forms a natural oxide coating that prevents corrosion. However, exposure to salt water can leave it looking rough, prompting many boat owners to turn to paint, which can fail, lead to corrosion, and deteriorate the mast. Paint can also starve aluminum of oxygen, preventing it from maintaining its protective oxide layer. 

Another option—anodizing—is an electrochemical process that hardens aluminum’s oxide layer and offers excellent protection. Unfortunately, in California, there’s only one anodizing tank large enough for masts, and the cost for us would have been equivalent to buying a new mast.

We did consider leaving the aluminum bare, but I discovered Nyalic, a clear protective coat designed to seal aluminum against saltwater damage, oxidation and pitting. Used on spacecraft, Nyalic seemed promising. After hearing glowing reviews from industry professionals, as well as a trusted friend who had used it on his mast, we decided to give it a try.

Marissa inspects the work a month later. Marissa Neely

Our initial testing came from Avocet sitting in its slip in Ventura, California, where it endured frequent sandblasting by prevailing winds. The Nyalic finish held up well, maintaining its shine.

In September 2022, we began cruising, starting with a sail up the coast to San Francisco Bay. Heavy rains and salty sea spray tested the mast’s protective coat, which continued to shine. During the next month, the bay’s salt-heavy environment and industrial soot put Nyalic through its paces. After washing down Avocet at the Berkeley Yacht Club, we found that the mast still showed no signs of wear.

Nyalic isn’t as hard as paint, and it is more susceptible to scuffs in high-wear areas, but touch-ups are simple, with no need for extensive prep.

Chris ­applies the Nyalic spray. Marissa Neely

We shared our experience online and heard from other sailors who’d tested Nyalic with similar success. Our friend Peter, who applied Nyalic to his 1978 38-foot Hans Christian, Kessel, reported no need for touch-ups after a year. “The spar is shiny and protected from corrosion,” he said. “The application process was straightforward, using aerosol cans to apply even coats. I’d absolutely use Nyalic again.”

Another couple, Ben and Allie, aboard their 1989 Sceptre 41, Kiana, used Nyalic after reading our blog. They’ve since sailed from Canada to Mexico and are preparing for a Pacific crossing. “With so many projects to tackle on an older boat, it’s nice to keep some things simple, and Nyalic totally fits the bill,” Ben said.

Four years in, we remain impressed by Nyalic’s performance. As we continue to add miles under our keel, we’ll keep testing its durability and share updates.

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