I have a question hoping someone on this forum has an opinion. I own an Inter 18 with an Aluminum mast. As I age, I was hoping to obtain a carbon mast since stepping an Aluminum mast is getting harder as I get into my mid 50s. At present, I am not concerned about being class legal. Once my kids get a little older, then that will become an issue.

First of all, does anyone have any experience with the carbon masts that Performance fitted the Inter 18 with (e.g., ease of stepping, amount of down hull)? Finally, did Inter 18 sailors keep those carbon masts when the F18 class began to grow or did they replace their carbon masts with aluminum masts (or did they simply sell those boats and move up to the new breed of F18s)?

Thanks for reading my post. Raining like heck here (got a tornado warning, golf ball size hail, and likely will get flooding). Got to love this Texas weather. I guess I can forget about getting out sailing.

Thanks
Bob Klein

I can't answer your question about down haul. There is one older I-18 sailing F-18 in the Michigan Fleet. He kept the carbon mast and bought a new aluminum mast from Cat House.

I appreciate your response. I was wondering if someone (like the sailor in MI) would have ordered a new mast and place their carbon mast in storage (or be interested in selling it).

I guess the ultimate question is there going to be that much weight difference between and Inter 18 with a carbon mast. Perhaps my long term solution is just to get a lighter 18-foot catamaran. Would anyone be willing to contrast the Taipan 5.7 versus the Inter 18 for weight, performance and ease of sailing? I notice Rick has one for sale but I know nothing about this particular boat.

Rain has finally stopped here. Thirteen inches of rain in one day. Lakes are flooded---maybe sailing next weekend.

Cheers
bob

Hi Bob:

Just a quick comment. I have been sailing the I-18 for four seasons now. I am one of three in the entire state of Florida. 2 have carbon masts and 1 aluminum. I have a carbon mast and yes, it is very much lighter than the new aluminum F18 mast. The I-18 is still able to compete heads up this year only with the carbon mast. Next year you will need to change the mast out if you are to compete in the F18 class. I don't know why anyone would do that given the fact that the F18 hulls are far superior to the I18 hulls. I have now done hundreds of miles on both boats and I think the Nacra F18 is the best.

I appreciate your comments. I am faced with the fact that I want a
lighter boat and my first thought was obtaining a used carbon mast. But
then, I have sunk money into boat that I bet has very little resale
value. I am sure many of you can't understand why I am concerned about
weight but I envision myself desiring a lighter platform as I approach my
mid 50s (age sucks).

Thanks again!
bob

Bob,

Why don't you try a 16'er? They are lighter than 18'ers.

I think there are lots of options including a new boat. Now, would you mind talking to my wife about this purchase of a new boat? My wife does not get my fascination with sailboats (although she does love coming along for the ride).

Cheers
Bob

Bob,

To give you some support here.

In this weekends competition between 3 cat clubs on our stretch of coast. I'll be sailing an Inter 18 spi and looking forward to it ! Last time I teamed up with the owner we finished 1st and 2nd on correction and we both hadn't finished that high before in the series. I-18 is a good boat, don't waste time lusting over newer ones but get all the enjoyment you can get out of it. She is still fast and capable of winning

Wouter

No I'm sailing my F16 as I'm waiting for some parts.

I would also like a carbon mast for single handed sailing. Any tips on finding one or ball park price for carbon new or used. I already have a mast stepper but its alot of work solo to raise and lower and sail all in a limeted amount of time.