carbon mast

Question
I need a 460 mast. Is it possible to cut a 490 mast down to 460? and will it still be effective?
Regards


Answer
Hey Wilf,

It is possible to cut a 490 to a 460 but it is NOT recommended. It will change the curve and stiffness characteristics and your sail that wants a 460 will not rig properly.

If you did cut the mast, here are the outcomes of cutting.

Cut the top, the plug may not fit properly and allow water into the mast which makes it heavy and hard to waterstart. It can also affect how the leech tightens.

Cut the bottom and you are removing 30cm of reinforcement that is built into the bottom of the mast. This can put the top of your extension into an area not reinforced which can cause stress cracking and eventual failure.

If your 490 mast is the correct stiffness for the 460 sail, my best advice is to put your extension at it's very lowest point and just rig the sail on the 490. Your clew will be a bit higher than normal but the sail should still rig correctly.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover