stainless steel mast?

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by turedogan, Apr 1, 2006.

  1. Buc
    Joined: Aug 2005
    Posts: 37
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Olympia

    Buc Junior Member

    Yes, you can certainly build a wood box mast. It's how masts were built for years. The box will be stronger than a solid mast of the same dimensions and, obviously, mugh lighter. Fiberglassing isn't really necessary, though it would reduce maintenance somewhat. It would also increase the weight. As the glass is primarily for protection, use as few layers as possible; one would be fine.

    As for titanium masts on racing boats, I made reference earlier to Weatherly's mast with the upper third made of Ti. Its use was outlawed by the IOR for cost reasons, but Weatherly's mast was grandfathered when she went from being an America's Cup 12-meter to racing in the Pacific Northwest.

    (I remember helping the IOR measurer drag the main back to a position aft of the mast for the flotation measurements. It was a two-ply dacron sail and too heavy for both of us. We got it to the front side of the spar and called it close enough. That would have been in about 1972-73.)
     
  2. gypsiemarine
    Joined: Apr 2006
    Posts: 6
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Malaysia

    gypsiemarine Gypsie Marine

    Randall Gypsie Marine

    Mate, go down to the marina and have a look at all the masts. 95% aluminium and 5% wood. There is a reason for this.
     
  3. DanishBagger
    Joined: Feb 2006
    Posts: 1,540
    Likes: 46, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 523
    Location: Denmark

    DanishBagger Never Again

    Yup, that reason is extruded aluminium, resulting in easier mass production :p
     
  4. CORMERAN
    Joined: May 2006
    Posts: 65
    Likes: 1, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 13
    Location: Vancover,BC, Canada

    CORMERAN Junior Member

    To TUREDOGAN:

    The Designer is on the right track - as far as I am concerned.
    If wood came out of a lab. it would be called a "wonder" material.
    It will endure many more flexing cycles - than most metals.

    - The amount of fiberglass is not the first concern.
    - Consider that: - fiberglass resin is POROUS.
    - Whereas EPOXY is not.
    - Also the glass does not have as much fatigue resistance as the woods
    preferred to make masts. So - long term it's not really adding much strength.
    - To me, the main function of the fiberglass, is to help build up a thick
    layer of epoxy. Which is doing the most work in maintaining the
    longevity of said mast.
    - Also, the glass gives abrasion resistance.

    However, be warned.
    Making a mast requires diligence and skill. A small flaw has generaly,much greater consequences - than a similer error in the construction of the boat
    it's self.

    There are good reasons why marinas are filled with boats with
    aluminum masts. It's really a challange to do as good a job as the professionals.
     
  5. glenville
    Joined: Aug 2005
    Posts: 10
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: canada

    glenville Junior Member

    mast

    My brother recently built a mast for a 34 ft. sailboat using layers
    of fiberglass outside a mold. Its not been sailing yet but seems
    plenty strong and relatively light. He can sit on the 40 ft mast when its
    sitting on workbenchs at the ends!

    I'm finishing a Roberts 31 and have a 47 ft alum. mast I'd like to cut down
    to size but think it might be to heavy in the end. It's aprox 6x8 in.. Anyone
    have any thoughts on cutting shorter an aluminum mast?

    mark
     
  6. FAST FRED
    Joined: Oct 2002
    Posts: 4,519
    Likes: 111, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 1009
    Location: Conn in summers , Ortona FL in winter , with big d

    FAST FRED Senior Member

    Anyone
    have any thoughts on cutting shorter an aluminum mast?

    No problem although you will need to relocate the spreaders for the new overall hight, as well as any lower shroud or inner forestay mounts.

    No big deal. The slightly heavier mast section may even give a better ride than a super lightweight mast .

    FAST FRED
     

  7. CORMERAN
    Joined: May 2006
    Posts: 65
    Likes: 1, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 13
    Location: Vancover,BC, Canada

    CORMERAN Junior Member

    To GLENVILLE:
    Re: Fiberglass

    Yes, one can make a case for fiberglass masts.
    They are actually very common.
    Although, many people will not have noticed, as they are covered up
    by the sleeve of a WINDSURFER'S sail.

    However, please note:
    Technicaly, the top of the line, windsurfer mast is very sophisticated.
    It is vacum bagged - over a steel mold - and cured by hot steam being
    injected INSIDE, said mold.
    The resin often used is: air craft grade, epoxy.
    If memory serves, the carbon fiber masts made this way, have 18 layers of carbon, within only a 1/4 " of wall thickness !
    So dense, that if you drop one on the shop floor - it will a make ringing sound
    - just like metal will. - And one suspects, will also transmit electricity.

    Cutting down a mast - moves one, closer to an off - shore cruiser. A good thing, from a safety point of view, many will agree.
    - In terms of you ending up with the new mast, being, in theory
    - a bit more heavy than ideal.
    I would, personaly, cut off - the heavier, bottom end of the mast. That is,
    if the mast you have, is tapered to any significant degree.

    What ever you do - it is advisable to make use of a Marine Engineer's
    services.

    As I've stated - small errors, in mast constuction - can have major consequences.
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.