Why is Nacra switching to aluminum?
Do you think there is a huge difference between the carbon and aluminum in terms of performance?
Anybody know the difference in weight?

Although weight is one factor that determines performance, more important factors are profile (ie tear drop vs air foil vs round) and bend characteristics. With that considered, a given alum mast may actually have superior performance to a given carbon mast. If profile and bend characteristics are equal, a lighter carbon mast would certainly be desirable. Carbon allows more flexibility when engineer bend characteristics since the cloth and thickness can be varied along the spar. But then the factors of cost must come in. Also, aluminum masts are generally lower maintenance and more durable. So the alum v carbon is not necessarily clear cut. I don't know specifically why nacra is switching, but I bet cost is a big factor.

Eric is right... it comes down to cost. All the new F17s delivered this year were with the SW Mast. Carbon mast is an option.
As for Performance, Bob Curry tested the new rig for six or seven months, with help from Bill Gillespie & Mark Batchelor

Looking at the NA Results for the top four boats. 1st. & 2nd. Placed F17s were with the aluminum mast... 3rd & 4th place boards had carbon rigs. all these boats had 1st., 2nd., & 3rd place finishes.
Note of interest, the 4th place F17 was a totally stock 2002 F17 with a four year old frt. end spinnaker.

Consensus in the Class, the SW Rig has the same performance as the expensive carbon rig

Regards

what is the weight difference?

Great news, now if my sailing skills were up to par. I could purchase an older 2000 model & save a ton of money.

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Rich

To help answer the question...

At the NAs, the carbon mast boat was first to A mark 75% of the time or more. At the finish, it really came down to who was sailing the boat as it ought to! Cost has been the biggest contributing factor in the switch to aluminum. The carbon mast was just getting out of reach in pricing. You really have to applaud Nacra for identifying the problem and finding a great solution.

Bob <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
BTW, I sail the Super Wing aluminum mast.

just curious about the weight. it seems like the boat is hard enough to right solo even with a carbon mast.

Hasn't been an issue at any event. but under class min. weight probably should carry a water bag or a righting pole

I don't know what the actuall weight difference is, but I lowered a carbon mast helping a guy take his boat apart and it didn't seem much lighter. Thats a skewed perspective though. I only handled it while we were taking it down.