So, we now have carbon fiber masts on the market. Any experience with them out there? Are they worth it? Pros/Cons any? I am thinking of replacing mine with a Carbon one and wonder what the real benefits are if any.
Carbon Fiber
- Thread starter Capt. Kermie
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Capt. this may be the wrong forum, this
one is mainly oriented toward production boats. You will find excellent and dedicated racing enthusiasts in this group but mostly amatuers, sailing off the shelf rigs. They would probably confirm that first should come sails, halyards, instruments, bottom treatments before considering mast replacement. The weight aloof reduction should not be that significant. On the other hand the gained stiffnes will probably allow more transfer of power. You ask if they are worth it; obviously to the racing boat builders and proffesional competitors they are but the average weekend warrior may find better uses for their racing kitty. One of the most succesful uses of carbon fiber is in racing bicycle frames and components, it allows for lightness in weight and strenth. A bicyclist has to carry the weight of the machine for hours in a road race so weight becomes an important factor. Also the increased stiffnes translates into better acceleration. Luckily in sailing our bodies don't have to carry the weight of the mast. Composite carbon fiber golf club shafts have been popular for years but interstingly very few tour pros use them. They claim they do not get the same feel of the club head. Ultimately the price, one of these masts may cost more than your boat. I cannot comment in durability, ease of repairs, and other incidental factors.
one is mainly oriented toward production boats. You will find excellent and dedicated racing enthusiasts in this group but mostly amatuers, sailing off the shelf rigs. They would probably confirm that first should come sails, halyards, instruments, bottom treatments before considering mast replacement. The weight aloof reduction should not be that significant. On the other hand the gained stiffnes will probably allow more transfer of power. You ask if they are worth it; obviously to the racing boat builders and proffesional competitors they are but the average weekend warrior may find better uses for their racing kitty. One of the most succesful uses of carbon fiber is in racing bicycle frames and components, it allows for lightness in weight and strenth. A bicyclist has to carry the weight of the machine for hours in a road race so weight becomes an important factor. Also the increased stiffnes translates into better acceleration. Luckily in sailing our bodies don't have to carry the weight of the mast. Composite carbon fiber golf club shafts have been popular for years but interstingly very few tour pros use them. They claim they do not get the same feel of the club head. Ultimately the price, one of these masts may cost more than your boat. I cannot comment in durability, ease of repairs, and other incidental factors.
Carbon rigs have many advantages and one BIG disadvantage. The cost is ridiculous. This damn war has driven the price of carbon fiber products out of sight. Other than price, however, there are all kinds of advantages to carbon. They are much lighter than the equivalent aluminum and much stronger. As a result the mast section can be reduced making a much more aerodynamic shape. The weight aloft saved means the boat will sail higher and faster. The stability of the boat will also be greater. Add to this the fact that there is no electrolysis to worry about between dissimilar metals. I would put one on my boat in a NY minute if I could afford it. Maybe when I hit lotto.....;D
Carbon rigs not only for racing
The Tartans now come standard with carbon rigs. Nosuchs with alum masts are using carbon as replacements. Unforunately, I can remeber when the same things were being said about fiberglass boats
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The Tartans now come standard with carbon rigs. Nosuchs with alum masts are using carbon as replacements. Unforunately, I can remeber when the same things were being said about fiberglass boats
.expensive ponies
Just as modifications on a car can be relatively inexpensive or outrageously extravagent, so can changes in boat gear. A carbon fiber mast is closer to the latter. That material is VERY strong for its weight, provided it is stressed in the direction its designer intended. Remember the New Zealand AC boat that broke its mast in 4 places when the boat had some extra weight on board (it had shipped some water) and hit several significant waves in succession? IIRC that mast cost over half a million bucks and was not repairable (but was a lot easier to transport afterwards). Carbon fiber does not like to be scratched - that alone would make me pretty leery. How do you guarantee that you won't scratch your mast now and then?
Just as modifications on a car can be relatively inexpensive or outrageously extravagent, so can changes in boat gear. A carbon fiber mast is closer to the latter. That material is VERY strong for its weight, provided it is stressed in the direction its designer intended. Remember the New Zealand AC boat that broke its mast in 4 places when the boat had some extra weight on board (it had shipped some water) and hit several significant waves in succession? IIRC that mast cost over half a million bucks and was not repairable (but was a lot easier to transport afterwards). Carbon fiber does not like to be scratched - that alone would make me pretty leery. How do you guarantee that you won't scratch your mast now and then?
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