Masts

[Dan Cavins]

Ok,here we go. I'm building a Norwalk Island Sharpie 23', and it calls for glass-
epoxy masts. These are tapered and unstayed.
The main about 30', mizzen 20'. I'm having
trouble sourcing these critters. Any ideas?
Can these things be built by an amature schmoe? I know some use aluminum instead but
the doesn't prefer it. What do you think? I
know someone knows, thanks gang.

[Dan Cavins]

Ok,here we go. I'm building a Norwalk Island Sharpie 23', and it calls for glass-
epoxy masts. These are tapered and unstayed.
The main about 30', mizzen 20'. I'm having
trouble sourcing these critters. Any ideas?
Can these things be built by an amature schmoe? I know some use aluminum instead but
the doesn't prefer it. What do you think? I
know someone knows, thanks gang.

[Dan Cavins]

Ok,here we go. I'm building a Norwalk Island Sharpie 23', and it calls for glass-
epoxy masts. These are tapered and unstayed.
The main about 30', mizzen 20'. I'm having
trouble sourcing these critters. Any ideas?
Can these things be built by an amature schmoe? I know some use aluminum instead but
the doesn't prefer it. What do you think? I
know someone knows, thanks gang.

[Ed Harrow]

Dan, take a look here: http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/search.cgi

In case this doesn't work, use the search button (upper right of screen) and do a search for "bird's mouth" in the B&R section. (You might try Sources, etc, as well). Have fun.

Oh, you can also search back thru WoodenBoat to see if they've done any articles on building spars. I know with the last year, maybe two, they did one on the bird's mouth technique.

[Ed Harrow]

Dan, take a look here: http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/search.cgi

In case this doesn't work, use the search button (upper right of screen) and do a search for "bird's mouth" in the B&R section. (You might try Sources, etc, as well). Have fun.

Oh, you can also search back thru WoodenBoat to see if they've done any articles on building spars. I know with the last year, maybe two, they did one on the bird's mouth technique.

[Ed Harrow]

Dan, take a look here: http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/search.cgi

In case this doesn't work, use the search button (upper right of screen) and do a search for "bird's mouth" in the B&R section. (You might try Sources, etc, as well). Have fun.

Oh, you can also search back thru WoodenBoat to see if they've done any articles on building spars. I know with the last year, maybe two, they did one on the bird's mouth technique.

[Bayboat]

I'm not a fan of glassed spars. There's too much chance of undetected water penetration. The birdsmouth technique is more trouble than others, but it makes a fine stout mast.

[Bayboat]

I'm not a fan of glassed spars. There's too much chance of undetected water penetration. The birdsmouth technique is more trouble than others, but it makes a fine stout mast.

[Bayboat]

I'm not a fan of glassed spars. There's too much chance of undetected water penetration. The birdsmouth technique is more trouble than others, but it makes a fine stout mast.

[T.KAMILA]

Dan, at last years Wooden Boat Builders show in Maine, I was talking to Antonio Dias about a high tech catboat design of his called Buck. The spar for this boat was composite construction from fiberglass if my memory serves me. I like the boat very much but his price for plans is quite steep about two grand. I did ask about how to construct the spars and if I recall correctly he used a woven sock of fiberglass cloth over a form or wooden core of some sort. Couldn’t be much of a core if it was wood because the weight would add up quickly as weight reduction was the reason for the spar design. I don’t have specifics but a call to Dias might lead you in the right direction.

Tom

[T.KAMILA]

Dan, at last years Wooden Boat Builders show in Maine, I was talking to Antonio Dias about a high tech catboat design of his called Buck. The spar for this boat was composite construction from fiberglass if my memory serves me. I like the boat very much but his price for plans is quite steep about two grand. I did ask about how to construct the spars and if I recall correctly he used a woven sock of fiberglass cloth over a form or wooden core of some sort. Couldn’t be much of a core if it was wood because the weight would add up quickly as weight reduction was the reason for the spar design. I don’t have specifics but a call to Dias might lead you in the right direction.

Tom

[T.KAMILA]

Dan, at last years Wooden Boat Builders show in Maine, I was talking to Antonio Dias about a high tech catboat design of his called Buck. The spar for this boat was composite construction from fiberglass if my memory serves me. I like the boat very much but his price for plans is quite steep about two grand. I did ask about how to construct the spars and if I recall correctly he used a woven sock of fiberglass cloth over a form or wooden core of some sort. Couldn’t be much of a core if it was wood because the weight would add up quickly as weight reduction was the reason for the spar design. I don’t have specifics but a call to Dias might lead you in the right direction.

Tom

[ishmael]

Sorta suprized this wasn't sourced in the plans. Maybe contact the designer? Another thought I had, but without specifics: Some small production glass boats use unstayed glass or carbon fiber spars. It might be worth asking some questions on other sailing forums on the chance you might find a suitable spar maker through a glass boat builder. Might even find a spar "off the shelf."

Also, as Ed suggests, I should think a hollow spruce spar would be workable.

[ishmael]

Sorta suprized this wasn't sourced in the plans. Maybe contact the designer? Another thought I had, but without specifics: Some small production glass boats use unstayed glass or carbon fiber spars. It might be worth asking some questions on other sailing forums on the chance you might find a suitable spar maker through a glass boat builder. Might even find a spar "off the shelf."

Also, as Ed suggests, I should think a hollow spruce spar would be workable.

[ishmael]

Sorta suprized this wasn't sourced in the plans. Maybe contact the designer? Another thought I had, but without specifics: Some small production glass boats use unstayed glass or carbon fiber spars. It might be worth asking some questions on other sailing forums on the chance you might find a suitable spar maker through a glass boat builder. Might even find a spar "off the shelf."

Also, as Ed suggests, I should think a hollow spruce spar would be workable.