Crack in 14 mast
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=934
Printed Date: 14 Aug 25 at 8:15pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Crack in 14 mast
Posted By: m_liddell
Subject: Crack in 14 mast
Date Posted: 11 Aug 05 at 10:05pm
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I've just noticed 2 3" long cracks about 3ft from the base of the mast on my I14. Each is in the same place on opposite sides. The boat isn't insured (can't afford it) any ideas how to fix this and how long the mast is likley to last? It's carbon. I really don't have £1600 to replace it! Any help would be awesome. |
Replies:
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 11 Aug 05 at 11:17pm
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You need to tell us what fittings and so on the cracks are near and in what relationship to them, and what orientation they are. A photo (you'll need to get photoshop out to highlight the cracks 'cos they don't photograph well) would be ideal.
But yes, its very repairable and the mast will last indefinitely if well repaired. Normally the options are to add extra carbon sternegth across the cracks or just to sleeve the pole, eother inside or outside. |
Posted By: Scooby_simon
Date Posted: 11 Aug 05 at 11:18pm
Your boat is not insured, but I assume you have 3rd Party cover or you could be in mega trouble if you cause an accident and you are found liable. ------------- Wanna learn to Ski - PM me.. |
Posted By: guytoon
Date Posted: 12 Aug 05 at 9:10am
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It's probably easily fixable but I would recommend you not tu use it before fixing it !!! I let a little crack on a mast last year and it didn't last really long ------------- Cherub 2692 "NBS" |
Posted By: Ginger_69
Date Posted: 12 Aug 05 at 2:32pm
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well you could wrap the bottom of the mast in carbon to strenghten it that would prob work or you could rivet a pice of alu all round the mast were the cracks are. ------------- Chew valley lake s c Topper(RED)-29412 I14 1209 lightning-168 Whaam (cherub) Atum bom (cherub)old crew (the 1 in the youtube vids) Will be arup skiff crew aka marmite |
Posted By: m_liddell
Date Posted: 12 Aug 05 at 3:31pm
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I'll try and get some pics this weekend. I have some carbon to put around it but I was wondering if drilling holes at the crack tips would help to stop them propagating further? I'm pretty sure the fittings are not the cause since the cracks are identical both sides and away from any fittings. |
Posted By: Skiffe
Date Posted: 12 Aug 05 at 4:37pm
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DO NOT put aluminium with carbon. It causes a "battery" effect that eats at the carbon until there is no carbon left. Depending on the cracks, including location on the mast and more importantly what caused them (fittings, compression, fatigue, UV etc.) it can be Very easy repair which will be just as strong as the original mast. Normally 2-3 layers of carbon unis and 2-4 layers of bi-directional cloth should do it, but lets see your pics first. ------------- 12footers. The Only Way to FLY Remember Professionals built the titanic, Amateurs built the ark. |
Posted By: Skiffe
Date Posted: 12 Aug 05 at 4:43pm
Drilling holes will not stop carbon cracking, like metal. If they are identical in length and position on the mast, compression could be a good guess. was the mast Pro built or made in a backyard, yes it can be done!! ------------- 12footers. The Only Way to FLY Remember Professionals built the titanic, Amateurs built the ark. |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 12 Aug 05 at 8:47pm
Other way round actually mate, but yes its a really bad idea. If one is really silly one puts an alloy sleeve inside a carbon spar, the alloy goes fizz, fizz and corrodes, the corrosion expands, the resin in the carbon tube microcracks, the fibres aren't supported and down your early model RS600 mast comes... |
Posted By: Ginger_69
Date Posted: 12 Aug 05 at 9:14pm
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ok maby it was a bad idea ------------- Chew valley lake s c Topper(RED)-29412 I14 1209 lightning-168 Whaam (cherub) Atum bom (cherub)old crew (the 1 in the youtube vids) Will be arup skiff crew aka marmite |
Posted By: Chris Noble
Date Posted: 15 Aug 05 at 7:52pm
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best idea for us to go on here is to post some photos before we can go any further ------------- http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/home.php3?affid=561 - Competitive Boat Insurance From Noble Marine FOR SALE: I14 2 Masts 2 poles 3 Booms, Foils Kites/Mains/Jibs too many to list. |
Posted By: m_liddell
Date Posted: 23 Aug 05 at 7:16pm
| Thanks for the advice guys. I've got someone who knows what they are doing to repair it with carbon. Hope fully I'll get out sailing this weekend. I think I'll be a bit more careful with the tension on the uppers from now on though... |