Carbon is allowed now obviously, but the tip weight rule makes the cost/benefit ratio go up. I did some small research and was told that a carbon mast adds about 3000 to the price of a blade. This is not specific but knowing a local carbon expert I think this is about accurate.
What do you think would happen to the F18 class if carbon were allowed? Every boat produced from here on would have a carbon mast. It would fragment the class (but it would likely recover but maybe it should fragment it and hopefully kill the need for 400lb boats <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )
In truth I am not sure- and no one really can be- but I think if the tip rule is dropped carbon would become the "standard" and the price of the boats will go up 2k at least. If everyone is cool with that and think it will still allow the class to grow (and it certainly has a lot of allure even adding the 2k) then do it. I can afford the extra 2-3k but it would irk me to think that I am trying to buy some advantage at the expense of people trying to get into the class. Newbies would look at it and want a carbon mast for sure because carbon is absolutely cool. Aluminum is so "old school!" <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />