Former Addict, Now a Noob: Mast Question

deminimis · Joined: 30 Sep 2014 Posts: 13

Hi all,

I used to be addicted to sailboarding. Somehow, it went by the wayside some years ago (I allowed school, work, life to get in the way of sailing). Never got rid of my gear. Yes, I've gone over to the dark side, but I'd like to dust off my 90's era relics and get back into sailing. However, I find myself in need of a good mast. Seems all I see from No limitz are skinny masts. Guessing that's pretty much the norm these days, but I dunno. Not about to start from scratch, so looking for a rec for a good non-skinny two piece line of masts (wave). I'm in the Gorge (East), so my good ol' trusty quiver is 3.7-5.2 and I plan on sticking with that (assuming mice didn't get into my quiver bag and eat my sails). Sorry for the Dick and Jane question. Thanks.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

I can't answer your question directly, but I can question the validity of your question. After too many long swims and damaged sails with broken ordinary masts, I sold all my masts at one swap meet and bought a quiver of Skinnys. As I don't loop or sail big coastal surf, I expect never to break another mast. The hell with the initial monetary cost; peace of mind matters more to me and in the long term they may be cheaper. That alone makes Skinnys indispensable for me; easier rigging is a bonus.

Dick and Jane

deminimis · Joined: 30 Sep 2014 Posts: 13

Thanks ISO. Although I had a Fiberspar become a prickly pear on me, I've never broken a std sized mast (although I've tried). I don't loop and the biggest swell I ever see is at Rufus. Buddy just called me up and seems Chinook has some masts that fit my needs, so going to go that route. As far as re-tooling, that would be nice. However, I just funded a freaking quiver of kites (4.5, 6, 8, 10, 12) and that makes me one poor dude. Thus, I must make do and run what I brung. Thanks again.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 1:21 pm Post subject:

the RDM/SDM mast experience /debate seems a mute point here.

SDMs are numerous , as well as Chinook, Sailworks and Powerex sell them, plus many more.

good luck with all those kites

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Most sail and mast companies still offer standard diameter masts. The real question is what brand of sails are you using, as that will determine the best fit for the sails you've got. While most all masts today can be classified as constant curve, there are sub-classifications that denote what the true bend curve would be. Really, there are three basic design configurations, flex top, hard top and a more balanced constant flex. Check out the following mast selector guide for some perspective.

http://www.unifiber.net/2014/mast-selector

If you are interested in the balanced flex (64 bottom/76 top %), you might want to contact Sailworks in Hood River. They offer 75 (Joystick) and 100% (Lightstick) carbon SDMs.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

I forgot the obvious solution to cost vs reward: swap meets and closeouts (esp Windance and 2nd Wind). I've seen top quality masts such as Skinnys (NoLimitz's proprietary name) sell for anywhere from $300 new (cosmetic blems) to $35 (well-used but damage-free) in Hood River. I bought a pile of new Skinnys at half price when a dealer closed shop years ago. You have all winter to look for bargains, and the swaps start in April. You're right about prickly pear masts; they're a swim waiting to happen and carbon splinters are freaking NASTY.

deminimis · Joined: 30 Sep 2014 Posts: 13

Thanks!!

manuel · Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 1158

Make sure your sails will rig well on the masts you buy, it can make a big difference.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

That's the most important comment yet, especially if your sails are old.

deminimis · Joined: 30 Sep 2014 Posts: 13