Post by scruff871 on Oct 2, 2009 9:24:06 GMT
A little under a year living with and using Carbon Masts has been very interesting.......
Currently there are 4 versions in use ...two Carbon or Carbon/GRP Composite creations from Superpars and Selden,and two Carbon/GRP Top sections being trailled/used bvy Messrs Pope and Hall.All arepersuing the advantages of using Carbon construction besides the obvious slight weight reduction.
Too early to be definitive on the effectiveness other than to say that development will contunue and concentrate probabaly on the upper half/third of the Mast and its flexibility.All recent Moth "tin" masts are heavily tapered to promote some flexibily but perhaps Carbon may allow more.
Despite the doubters knowledge on the use of Carbon Masts in the Class will increase and hopefully prices will reduce in the future and given that the development is successful a proven mast with benefits to lighter weight helms especially, could result.
Such development within the OK,s and Europe,s now see an even spread of Carbon v Alloy masts in use I understand,and contrary to opposition to the cahnge has seen a reviced interest in Rigs yet still see Alloy rigs competing well.
As for Carbon Booms,again there approx 5 Booms in use.The cost of a Carbon Boom is very close to an Alloy boom especially if a stock tube is bought and is finished off by yourself.Supersaprs and others offer sections and both Superspars and Selden can offer a complete fitted Boom.
Advantages,again other than the lighter weight,is certainly reduced inertia on Gybes ,and they hurt less if you do not duck quick enough !Above all else they are stiff...very stiff.
My new boat will have an all Selden Carbon rig...after much discussion and seeking advice from both Selden and P&B[thanks to Ben MrGrane and Dave Wade]the lessons learnt this season with the rig will be applied to the next ship.More than prepared to share what we have learnt so far if anyone is interested.
Carbon is here so lets make the most of it.
Currently there are 4 versions in use ...two Carbon or Carbon/GRP Composite creations from Superpars and Selden,and two Carbon/GRP Top sections being trailled/used bvy Messrs Pope and Hall.All arepersuing the advantages of using Carbon construction besides the obvious slight weight reduction.
Too early to be definitive on the effectiveness other than to say that development will contunue and concentrate probabaly on the upper half/third of the Mast and its flexibility.All recent Moth "tin" masts are heavily tapered to promote some flexibily but perhaps Carbon may allow more.
Despite the doubters knowledge on the use of Carbon Masts in the Class will increase and hopefully prices will reduce in the future and given that the development is successful a proven mast with benefits to lighter weight helms especially, could result.
Such development within the OK,s and Europe,s now see an even spread of Carbon v Alloy masts in use I understand,and contrary to opposition to the cahnge has seen a reviced interest in Rigs yet still see Alloy rigs competing well.
As for Carbon Booms,again there approx 5 Booms in use.The cost of a Carbon Boom is very close to an Alloy boom especially if a stock tube is bought and is finished off by yourself.Supersaprs and others offer sections and both Superspars and Selden can offer a complete fitted Boom.
Advantages,again other than the lighter weight,is certainly reduced inertia on Gybes ,and they hurt less if you do not duck quick enough !Above all else they are stiff...very stiff.
My new boat will have an all Selden Carbon rig...after much discussion and seeking advice from both Selden and P&B[thanks to Ben MrGrane and Dave Wade]the lessons learnt this season with the rig will be applied to the next ship.More than prepared to share what we have learnt so far if anyone is interested.
Carbon is here so lets make the most of it.
