Wooden mast?

[hallcp]

The used EC12 I bought has a funky home-made mast of aluminum and fiberglass. I don't think it's legal. So I want to build a new mast.

Everyone seems to be using aluminum masts, round or teardrop. But I have a piece of wood 72"x1/2"x3/4" and it weighs about what some aluminum masts weigh.

Would wood be a feasible material for the mast? Or am I kidding myself?

Charles Hall
Raleigh, NC

[Rick West]

You are right about the mast.

My first EC12 in 1994 had a wooden mast. It was made of Sitka Spruce, very strong and very straight. It was shaped like the Goldspar aluminum mast with a wire jackline. The sails had clothes hooks to snap onto the jackline.

The Goldspar is popular today for its low cost, the ability for internal shroud tangs and other parts readily available from suppliers. It is convenience and quick.

You are not kidding yourself when wanting to craft a mast. The competitive concerns are still the same...a aerodynamically clear rig with as little weight above the spreaders as possible.

On the road for RC sailing in Naples, FL

...94