Dinghy development: Silly question

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Silly question

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2623
Printed Date: 18 Aug 25 at 9:24am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Silly question

Posted By: glewis
Subject: Silly question
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 4:10pm

Right, I could well be thick (yes you are was the resounding cry!). I thought I saw an RS700 for sale recently and the advert proclaimed the mast was "newly varnished". Do you really paint metal masts, if so, why.

Just came to me because of the thread below about Blakes & International Paint.

Giles

Solution no 414

Replies:

Posted By: hurricane
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 4:21pm

they have a carbon mast - the carbon needs a coat of varnish to protect it from uv rays

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lifes to short to sail slow boats!

RIP Olympic Tornado 1976-2007

Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 6:26pm

You learn something new every day!!

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Posted By: Webmuppet
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 7:22pm

I've just bought an oldish RS Vareo, the top section of the mast is 'composite' whereas the lower section is aluminium, should the top section be varnished ?...and if so is there a particular preferred product ?

Many thanks,

Nigel

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I am the milkman of human kindness, I will leave an extra pint (Billy Bragg)

Graduate 2530 'Galaxy'

Posted By: Wes
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 8:48pm

Is there an RS Vareo group on Yahoo? The 200 and 400 ones are fantastic for this sort of information.

Posted By: Paramedic
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 8:58pm

It should be varnished or painted white.

Either will do as long as you use a two pack product. It needs to be two pack really because it's more UV resistant.

The theory behind the white paint is that the spar remains at ambient temperature whereas with a black spar on a sunny day it will get hotter and hotter, possibly making the spar bendier though this has never really been proven in practice.

Posted By: kasey3000
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 9:01pm

Originally posted by Wes

Is there an RS Vareo group on Yahoo? The 200 and 400 ones are fantastic for this sort of information.

yep.....url is below.....don't know if it is still active anymore though!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rsvareo/ - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rsvareo/

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49er 908

Posted By: Wes
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 9:13pm

yep, 57 postings in the last month

Posted By: Webmuppet
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 9:18pm

I've already asked the same question on the yahoo group but nobody has responded yet hence I thought that you lot might have the answer. I know that carbon has to be varnished but I'm not sure what 'composite' is supposed to mean, i.e. does it require the same sort of UV protection as a carbon mast ?

Thanks,

Nigel

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I am the milkman of human kindness, I will leave an extra pint (Billy Bragg)

Graduate 2530 'Galaxy'

Posted By: 49erGBR735HSC
Date Posted: 23 Jan 07 at 9:24pm

I would assume that the mast has been treated by LDC before it left the factory, if it shines, it most likely is.... Phone LDC to find out but reckon it will be treated pre-sale.

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Dennis Watson 49er GBR735 http://www.helensburghsailingclub.co.uk/ -
Helensburgh S.C
http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/home.php3?affid=560 - Boat Insurance from Noble Marine

Posted By: Webmuppet
Date Posted: 24 Jan 07 at 5:47pm

The mast top section in question does not seem to have any kind of protective coating on it and looks a bit 'dusty'. I phoned LDC and say that they are not aware of any specific instructions regarding the varnishing of Vareo mast top sections however they suggested that it might be a good idea in order to provide additional UV protection,

Nigel

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I am the milkman of human kindness, I will leave an extra pint (Billy Bragg)

Graduate 2530 'Galaxy'

Posted By: Paramedic
Date Posted: 24 Jan 07 at 7:09pm

It will have had something on it, even if only a resin coat.

It looks dusty because it has deteriorated due to UV light, and it will need varnishing or painting.