Mast sections/questions

Are all mast sections created equal? IOW, do all the blanks sold by different suppliers come from the same manufacturer, or handful of manufacturers? Are there quality issues with different brands? If so how do you tell? Thanks!

 

Maybe if you refined you question a bit, answers would be easier to apply, as all manufactures produce bad pieces from time to time. Most mast sections are built to a class or other standard, so each will be quite similar in physical properties.

 

That pretty much answers it, PAR, thanks. I have been thinking about ordering some stock for my catamaran build (36') - compression tubes and bow tube as well as the mast itself. Being basically ignorant it occurred to me that I wouldn't know what questions to ask, or what to look out for, quality wise.

Do you (or anyone) have any specific recommendations ?

 

All the major mast suppliers will have a simplified selection chart, typically based on the model you have and some options. If doing something odd, like placing a different mast on a boat, you'll have to supply a lot more information then just the boat length. Plans will usually offer standard mast sections (from the usual sources), as well as compression post dimensions, spreaders, etc. This isn't something you should be guessing at, if you expect your rig to remain standing when you have an accidental jibe (or something).

 

Par, Kurt Hughes supplies a full mast plan with his boat plans, all the way down to life size templates for hounds and stuff. Full sail plan as well.

Charly, many rigging shops, I have found end up selling z spars which originate in Gainesville, FL.

 

Thanks. I do have a lot to learn.

My rig plans don't give specific manufacturer's part numbers for the mast sections. I can scale them and compare with supplier charts etc.

I have submitted the plans to US Spars in Gainsville for a quote, and I imagine I will be looking for ways to cut costs. Obviously it is beyond my capability to taper a stick or even to weld anything. Anything I do would be vetted first with the designer and closely inspected. Any thoughts here would be appreciated.

The guy at US spars advised chucking the rotating mast option to simplify things, and I probably will. I know this in itself is a big subject. I just want safety and simplicity first. Cost is a factor.

Thanks for all the feedback. Any book recommendations?

 

Whoops. Us spars. That is the one I meant in gainesville.

They should be able to steer you right using our type of rigging plans. I'm also going with a fixed mast.

 

Hey Cat. If you go with the stationary mast, do you still use the swivel hound?

 

I would think not, Charly. Do you have an alternate rig plan for a fixed rig in the plans, or did they only come with plans for a rotating mast?

 

No alternate. That should be easy enough to sort out though.

I am still trying to establish a "point of beginning" with US Spars. I sent them the plans and mast notes several months back, and just got an e-mail last week asking if I still wanted a quote

So, I am beginning to think I may have to have more of a hands on role in the mast build than I am really comfortable with. I have sense enough to do Norseman fittings etc., but would be freaked out to start drilling any holes in the stick

 

Try Mack Sails in Stuart, FL. They can do the entire rig and sails as a single job. The also use us spars.

 

Jsi

JSI in St. Pete does it all. They make the masts up right there, They also have a free 100 mile delivery on mast refurb but I don't think that will apply here.
http://www.newjsi.com/spars.aspx

 

Thanks guys I will check them out

 

Speaking of rotating alum. masts for multihulls. I have an aluminum mast section from a Corsair 28 that has been sitting in my back yard for the last 2 or 3 years. I originally bought it to use on a home built Farrier trimaran. I later changed to a shorter lighter wing section that i bought from Charelston Spars.

The peice i have is just over 36' long and i think is about 8.5" deep by about 4.5 wide. The only attachments that i have left that fit the mast is the hounds fitting. It is a Ballenger mast.

Id like to sell it for $1000. Located in Central Florida, Sam Whitmore 321 3637613 os samjwhitmore@hotmail.com