questions about skinny masts

teerok · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 59 Location: The Sunset

yarrr

should I get an RDM?

What would be some standard performance differences one might see when switching to a skinny from a regular?

Are there any reasons why my sails would not be compatible with an RDM?
(My main sails are Neil Pryde MPR's and Windwing Interfaces, mid 2000 vintage.)

If I get a 400cm RDM, and I want to rig my 5.4 (437cm luff), I will have to set the extension at the max (assuming it's a 38cm Chinook extension).
Is this NOT advisable for any reason?

thank you

-tyler

boggsman1 · Joined: 24 Jun 2002 Posts: 9125 Location: at a computer

Go get one or two, massive performance boost. Lighter, stronger , better flex, better fit in mast sleeve. I am sketched out by the long extension because the flex of the mast is different when you put 40cm's of extention on the end . Get a 400 and 430, guaranteed happiness.... when I converted I was pissed off that I didnt do it sooner.
Boggsy

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

Once you go skinney you won't go back... 6.5 and smaller only. ...a bit to flexy for bigger sails.

cgoudie1 · Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 3:22 pm Post subject: Re: questions about skinny masts

Well Matey,

I switched about 3 years ago, but my sails were designed for skinnies
so they worked great, and I haven't broken one since. Going 38 cms
extension on a mast that's already going to feel softer (without extension)
on older sails, might be too soft though.

My experience is that the RDMs handle gusts a little better than SDMs.
I don't notice them being llighter, but they're not noticeably heavier either.

I'm not going back.

-Craig

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

PS to last.
Rdm's are just easier. To rig and de-rig. They last forever. And they feel better in sail flips.......Down side might be after 7 or 8 years of hard sailing your go get a new. The old one still works and looks great but hey its 8 years old. Do you keep using it?????????

teerok · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 59 Location: The Sunset

Thanks to all for the info...

Regarding extension...right now I use a standard diameter 400cm, so when I need to rig the 5.4 (my biggest sail) I have to use 38cm of extension.
The sail seems to handle pretty nicely, but I am probably not experienced enough to know any better.

SwellRipper · Joined: 21 Apr 2009 Posts: 193 Location: Channel Marker 11

yo teerok, -Go for it!

I switched a couple of season ago although more liked transitioned as I went back and forth between SDM and RDM. My feelings SDM more stable/smooth/less twitchy, RDM more responsive. At first RDM felt more twitchy/unstable but now I characterize it as responsiveness now that I'm used to it. I can rig smaller now taking advantage of RDM responsiveness.

My 5.4 rigs on a 400 and that's the biggest sail I use at 3rd now. Also RDM supposed to be more tough, decreasing chances of breaking and all the fun that engenders especially far from shore!

Anyway that's my personal experience, others on the Forum are more experienced/technical and can better parse it all out.

teerok · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 59 Location: The Sunset

ctuna · Joined: 27 Jun 1995 Posts: 1126 Location: Santa Cruz Ca

It you grab your mast for transitions the grip is much better.
They tend to sink more which might be a good thing in a blow as
it anchors the sail more to one spot.
You have to use a shim for most booms which is an extra step
in rigging, also there is possibility of loosing the shim.
I think the advantages are worth it .
I have used them since 2000
Also you need a skinny mast extension the adaptors are hassel.

.

SwellRipper · Joined: 21 Apr 2009 Posts: 193 Location: Channel Marker 11

My 5.4 has 430 luff, I use skinny Chinook extension max pinhole is 38 cm, I use 400 w/ 30cm of extension.

I don't know about max extension for Chinook, but Streamline claims you can use all of their extension length.