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bobsurfdawg
Joined: 24 Feb 2012 Posts: 3
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Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:44 pm Post subject: Powerex mast durability |
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Due to a vehicle fire toasting all my masts (and other gear), I ended up with 7 brand new 100% carbon Powerex SDM masts in May/June 2013. As of yesterday, two 490s and one 460 have broken about 12 inches above the ferrule - all three occurred rigged and sitting on the ground with no apparent trauma. Not crashing in waves, getting launched, or banging around on rocks. They are always stored in padded bags sitting in my van, or stored vertically in my barn. Been sailing over 30 years, so yes I am sure they were fully inserted - I double check every time when putting the sail on the mast. I sail small in-land lakes or sound side at Avon, NC. I will never buy Powerex masts again, especially not 100% carbon ones. Since last I checked, they went under, but are trying to recover, but no US distributor yet. Too bad, or I'd be bugging them to no end. Anybody want to buy (2) 490 bottoms? |
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nw30
Joined: 21 Dec 2008 Posts: 6485 Location: The eye of the universe, Cen. Cal. coast
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Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 11:22 am Post subject: |
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SDM's are inherently weaker than RDM's, 100% carbon masts are more brittle than masts that have 60 to 90% carbon.
I'd suggest replacing them with something else (RDM w/ <100% carbon). I have a Powerex RDM, 90% carbon, that is used exclusively in the waves, that's 15 years old, and is still going strong, as do many of my friends with the same mast, similar age, and sailing conditions. |
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dllee
Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay
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Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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Some sails have lots of mast bend..be aware.
Max downhaul bends the mast.
Masts get hot in the sun.
More % of carbon is more fragile. |
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cgoudie1
Joined: 10 Apr 2006 Posts: 2599 Location: Killer Sturgeon Cove
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Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 1:20 pm Post subject: |
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I also have a bunch of RDMs from around that time in operation, but those masts were produced in Utah. The Current PX may have a different layup, or manufacturing process. What Ldee says is true, but those masts still should not have exploded. better to have them break on the beach than 1/2 mile off the coast though.
-Craig
nw30 wrote: | SDM's are inherently weaker than RDM's, 100% carbon masts are more brittle than masts that have 60 to 90% carbon.
I'd suggest replacing them with something else (RDM w/ <100% carbon). I have a Powerex RDM, 90% carbon, that is used exclusively in the waves, that's 15 years old, and is still going strong, as do many of my friends with the same mast, similar age, and sailing conditions. |
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dllee
Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay
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Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 1:35 pm Post subject: |
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I have some Warps and Hammers which have soooo. much mast curve that I know the mast will break at the most unexpected times.
RDM would solve the problem, but why put up with them in 8.3 and 7.8 sizes? |
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U2U2U2
Joined: 06 Jul 2001 Posts: 5467 Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado
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Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:05 pm Post subject: |
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I can name at least 3 places of business that sell PX masts.
They are no longer made in UTAH, but fairly certain China.
I would not expect 5YO masts to break , looking at them
They have served me well, using both RDMm /SDM.
If their is no US distributor I would be amazed.
I cant see places importing their own supply, far too costly . _________________ K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you
http://www.k4fins.com/fins.html
http://4boards.co.uk/ |
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U2U2U2
Joined: 06 Jul 2001 Posts: 5467 Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado
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Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:11 pm Post subject: |
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I looked at PX home page. IM amazed , the dealers must be selling off old stock, or importing on their own.
I may suggest gently call Chinook and ask if they know anything , or NOLimitz . _________________ K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you
http://www.k4fins.com/fins.html
http://4boards.co.uk/ |
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U2U2U2
Joined: 06 Jul 2001 Posts: 5467 Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado
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gregnw44
Joined: 23 Jul 2008 Posts: 783 Location: Seattle, Wa
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Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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I have 3 Powerex masts, I've used a ton. SDM's They vary from 55% to 100% carbon... I don't know which year they're from, but they've all been around a long time. 460-490-520. They've all been bent a lot in sails like Sailworks Retros than have WAY more luff curve than most sails. All are still fine... I trust them in winter storms. _________________ Greg
Longboarding since '81
Shortboarding since '84 |
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dllee
Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay
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Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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Retros do have luff curve, I have 3, but nothing like WARPS or Hammers.
Currently still using PX'x from earliest 90's. |
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