RS400 proposed changes

Originally posted by hollandsd Thanks Matt +1 The B14 fleet have most recently been using Acetal as an alternative to Nylon, more expensive and just as difficult to stick but a more stable material. Dan

What are they using it for though? Is it for something where glueing it is critical?
Anyway, what RS have done clearly hasn't worked, these things happen.
The tapered pole is tied up with the single line hoist concept, which AFAIK virtually everyone has ditched anyway.
Since the taper causes the bow flaps to work badly, has no real functional advantage and costs more, we really ought to just go back to ali poles that work.
I find it more than a little ironic that to win the RS400 nationals it seems to pay to use parts that are not even available to the general public, but the Merlins were won by a stock boat, we've lost something somewhere.
I hope it all gets convincingly sorted in good time for the Dinghy Show.

I remember replacing an old 400 main many years ago and I layed the old main over the new (old style) main and couldn't believe how much the old sail had shrunk so I agree with Matt's point above.

Originally posted by boatbasher Originally posted by hollandsd .....im an engineer that deals with many plastics from day to day in medical applications. then you will know how difficult it is to glue nylon and as such it a poor choice to sleeve a tube ...

From another engineer Nylon is a very common sleave and bearing material and tends to be used because it's cost-effective, available and most important self-lubricating. Bonding can be an issue but it's easily overcome if you're aware of it. move on people, nothing to see here.

I thought the snapper was thought up to prevent sheets ect been caught in the mouth as the pole comes inboard on the drop thus causing a fouled drop and jamming? The prevention of water ingress into the hull was coincedental!!

Originally posted by pondmonkey I dunno... some frustrated newbie venting; a colourful riposte from the former class communications officer; Holman admiring Mrs Hopkins's 'jibs'; Cockerill in a clinker and to top it off, Katy Price's wizards cuff getting a dutiful mention.   It could well be the best thread in a while, all it needs now is the Dark Overlord of Hythe to offer some wisdom and the title is secured.