Gouge in Mast

[Dave Whyman]

I used the mast as a ridge pole this winter, the crutch at the aft end broke either due to wind or snow.   A nice gouge was made in my mast about 5 inches below the holes for the lowers, when it hit one of the nuts on the keel hoist.  It's about 1 1/12 inches long  and about 1/8 inch deep at its deepest point.  Is the mast still safe to use?

The picture sort of shows it.

[Gregg Henning]

I would use it and if it breaks, Insurance!!!