Keith Bedwell wrote:
I`ll keep looking and see what I can come up with for an option. I was favoring a one piece mast, but maybe a two piece would be more practical and easier to locate. I can live with the price tag, just wnated to make sure I wasn`t missing something. Of course seeing that I do not even hace a boat yet this is all an academic exercise for the moment.
What about weight? I`m finding these mast are weighing appox 150-200 lbs is that too much?
Gotta try to decide if I want to try and make my own sails. So many things to consider.
The hybrid method that Annie used is a very pragmatic and practical way to get a mast, when a one piece alloy mast can't be found, or afforded; and a one piece wood mast is too big an undertaking. It's relatively easy to source a shorter length of 6in x 3/16in tube, and to make a wooden topmast to fit into it.
That weight is entirely acceptable. A heavy mast slows the roll down, a light mast gives better boat stiffness for sail carrying. Comfort or speed, take your pick.
So few sailmakers know anything about making junk sails, that it's generally less problematic to make your own than to try to instruct a "professional" (and less expensive). Don't shy away from sailmaking - it's not hard, it's just one more trade that you have to gain a few skills in, on top of all the others you need to put a boat together.