In reading the class rules, I note that there is no specified restriction of the materials from which the mast crane can be built. Is my interpretation correct? Can I, for instance, make my mast crane from fiberglass or (oh, oh) carbon fiber tube? And while I'm at it, no shape for the mast crane is specified so I assume I can make it any shape I want. Is this assumption correct?

By the way, I'm sure I must be asking the same question that hundreds of other "transferies" from development classes must have asked. Is there a place where I can go to check for answers before I post my questions here? --Jim Linville

Your assumptions are correct, Jim. Past experience has shown that forces on the rig are higher than one would suspect. In my case Newport at Fort Adams was the most severe experienced. Fiberglass and CF materials have been found to be brittle for spreader and jumpers. I have never seen a material other than aluminum or brass for a crane. Standing tension on the backstay can easily require over five pounds and according to the EC12 Manual approach 13 pounds on the water.

The search function of this forum is a good place to check if a subject was mentioned in the past.

...94

Thanks, Rick. I completely missed the search feature. DUH![:I] Since having it pointed out to me it seems that almost every question I can think of has been raised before. Maybe now I won't have to bug you so much. --Jim #958