Carbon Spars

[David Hudson]

A wet weekend conversation has set me thinking.

Roger Tushingham has stepped a set of carbon spars on his Shrimper.
As one of the sailors on my respected list, I will be talking with him over
the summer and will frighten you all with costs.

As we have two mast options, (SA and UK), let's have another!

Regards
David

[Dennis]

Hello David

This subject has been raised before. Every time I have to raise the mast on Mary Ann I am reminded of it.

My option would be for a real wood veneered carbon fibre mast.

Stuff of dreams!

Dennis

CC19 #100 Mary Ann

[David Peck]

Dennis, David,

Watch this space!

David P
Whistling Rufus

[David Hudson]

I'm watching, I'm watching!!

David

[David Hudson]

David peck. Private message posted.

[Michiel]

David,

Anything new to report on the carbon mast?

I am remotely thinking about sailing/motoring down through France to the Med. next summer, which would involve a lot of mast lowering/raising.
A lot of the journey would be single handed as well.

Just looking at ways to make life easier!

Michiel

[David Hudson]

Hello Peep's

As I type, I am sunning my rsa on a very comfortable Jenneau in the Canaries.

Talking to friends in 5o5's and Int 14's, CST Composites are currently building and seem to be sensible people.

http://www.cstcomposites.com/international_14.htm

If my memory serves me, Roger Tushingham got his tube from them. He then got a glass / composite guru on Teeside to build to his drawings.

Here is an MCA website on this subject: (haven't read it yet).

http://www.coastguardrescue.org.uk/c4mca/lrgtxt/mcga07-home/shipsandcargoes/mcga-shipsregsandguidance/marinenotices/mcga-mnotice.htm?textobjid=50989E925D196330

Go cutting edge Michiel!

Time to siesta

David

[Dennis]

Hello Michiel

Sounds like an interesting journey you are contemplating.

Have you read "Narrow boat to Carcasonne" by Terry Darlington, an account of a similar journey, but with a different boat?
Recommended.

Every time I have to raise (although not lower) my mast I dream about carbon fibre.

Will be de-rigging and hauling out sometime before the end of this month (another season over) and taking "Mary Ann" to Rochdale for some TLC by Bob and his team at Honnor Marine.

Cheers

Dennis

CC19 #100 Mary Ann

[David Peck]

Hi Michiel,
I have now been sailing with a carbon fibre mast on my CC19 for two months and so far it is performing well. I lowered it last weekend, singlehanded without any devices, whilst it was still afloat in the marina, to fit a wind indicator on the top. The whole job only took half an hour whereas previously I would have needed two other people to assist.

The carbon fibre mast is clad with 2.4mm thick Oregon Pine veneer so it is impossible to know it is not wood. The mast weighs just under 10kgs with all the fittings (compared to 26kgs or more for an HM solid mast). Carbon Fibre Tubes made the sections and reinforcing tubes to my spec and drawings.

I will shortly put some pictures on the web-site. Eventually I will try and write an article on its construction, although I still have to first finish my article on the completed inboard engine installation.

I would also consider a hollow “Birdmouth constructed” mast similar to the original design and as supplied on the South African built boats. These should weigh around 13kgs but it would be interesting if someone could actually weigh one? In my opinion HM should not have gone away from the original design! Noble Masts in Bristol make their masts to this design and I believe their quality would be a lot better than the SA versions. They would probably also be a lot cheaper than a Carbon fibre mast. I advise anyone with the SA hollow Birdmouth masts to look after them well and consider treating the inside!

I’m also considering trailing my boat down to St Malo and then taking it through the canals to the Gulf du Morbihan. I would therefore be interested to know how you intend negotiating the locks singlehanded?

Regards
David Peck
CC94 “Whistling Rufus”

[Dennis]

Hello David and Michiel

A wood clad carbon fibre mast is very tempting, but difficult for me to justify.
Mary Ann has been on Kielder Water continuously since March so I have only had to raise the mast once (this year).
However, if I ever have to replace the mast, or change the way I use the boat, I will take the opportunity to go carbon fibre.

Incidently, the mast on my previous boat (a Winkle Brig) rotted (out of sight) behind the hounds fitting where water was running down the mast and collecting there. The first I knew about it was when the mast top, gaff and mainsail came tumbling down into the cockpit whilst sailing. Fortunately no one was hurt.
To prevent this from happening with the CC19, I have sealed around the top of the hounds fitting (mast band) with silicon sealant.

David, it sounds like you now have the ultimate CC19, inboard diesel and carbon fibre mast. I am looking forward to reading about it when you finish the articles.

Incidently, have you retained the original gaff and boom?
I can see some advantage in a carbon fibre gaff, reduced weight aloft and easier sail raising, but see little advantage in a carbon fibre boom.

Cheers

Dennis

CC19 #100 Mary Ann