Advantages of hollow wooden masts

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by dckelly, Dec 10, 2010.

  1. dckelly
    Joined: Sep 2010
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    dckelly Junior Member

    Hi,

    We have to replace 2 wooden masts on a 50 meter ship. The big one is about 30 cm at the base and 15 meters tall. The other one is 12 meters.

    I have an offer for hollow wooden masts and having no experience, I was wondering what the advantages and disadvantages of a "hollow" wooden mast are in comparison with a normal, solid wooden mast.

    Thanks,
    Dimitris
     
    dckelly, Dec 10, 2010
    #1
  2. hoytedow
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    hoytedow Carbon Based Life Form

    You save weight.
     
    hoytedow, Dec 10, 2010
    #2
  3. alan white
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    alan white Senior Member

    But the lack of weight up high can make the boat twitchy, which may be uncomfortable in certain sea conditions. Otherwise, hollow masts are much lighter with similar strength.
     
    alan white, Dec 10, 2010
    #3
  4. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    I have the same opinion
     
    gonzo, Dec 10, 2010
    #4
  5. Olav
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    Olav naval architect

    ... and windage as you can run your halyards internally. Disadvantage: Possibly lots of hassle if the halyards get tangled or if one end of one of them disappears into the mast when you forgot to tie a figure-eight knot to it.
     
    Olav, Dec 10, 2010
    #5
  6. hoytedow
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    hoytedow Carbon Based Life Form

    True. It makes you more careful next time.
     
    hoytedow, Dec 10, 2010
    #6
  7. ancient kayaker
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    ancient kayaker aka Terry Haines

    On a ship of that size I doubt those masts make much difference, hollow or solid.
     
    ancient kayaker, Dec 10, 2010
    #7

  9. hoytedow
    Joined: Sep 2009
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    hoytedow Carbon Based Life Form

    On a ship that size I might consider going to aluminum.
     
    hoytedow, Dec 11, 2010
    #8
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