Q 4 : Allow Carbon masts or not ?

Introduction.
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<br>carbon masts have the advantage that they reduce :
<br>
<br>- weight aloft which is important in overal sailing characteristics
<br>- overall boat weight
<br>- is stiffer (don't want the benefit of that is)
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<br>Aluminium advantages are :
<br>
<br>- Low cost
<br>- is used on all grandfathered F16 HT boats
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<br>More discussion is found on the regular OLD CATSAILORS FORUM. As yet the material of the mast is unspecified in the draft rules.
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<br>Several have given their opinion but the question (poll) is put to you again.
<br>
<br>The question
<br>
<br>Do you want to allow Carbon masts or ban them ?
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<br>Answer with yes or no in the subject line, please.
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<br>The poll will close on monday 30 july 2001.
<br>
<br>Wouter
<br>
<br>Wouter
<br>
<br><br><br>

Carbon is not that much more than aluminium, as a manufacturer I can tell you that the difference in the cost of the Stealth carbon mast to an aluminium one amounts to about 500$.
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<br>This cost will get less as time goes on.
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<br>Nearly all high tech sailing craft have carbon masts, and we should aim to more like the A class in technology than the F18.<br><br>

John,
<br>
<br>Who manufacturers the masts for the Stealth?
<br>Can you advise the specs (length, major and minor axis)
<br>and cost?
<br>An aluminium Taipan mast blank is betwen $700 and $800Aus.
<br>An Aclass carbon mast blank is around $2700 Aus.
<br>
<br>If the diff was only $500 that would make carbon a viable alternative.
<br>
<br>Phill<br><br>

You have a good point there John. The F16 HT will be in the product line of F18 HT, A-cat and M20 and alike, all of these have carbon masts, The F16 HT should therefor allow a carbon mast too to prepair the sailors for the move up to these classes. Especially A-cats. I didn't see it from that side before.
<br>
<br>Wouter
<br>
<br><br><br>