David, the main dilemma for me with a hybrid mast is that building it during the winter would require a workspace which I unfortunately don't have, so it would overlap with the other modification projects I have planned for the boat[1] in the spring, from April forwards, all of which will keep me from sailing next summer. My current long-term plan is to sail locally (around the Baltic) during summers 2014 and 2015 and be ready for a longer voyage from 2016 onwards.

If I had access to a warm large space during the winter where I could build the mast and cure epoxy, an alu/wood hybrid would be a more attractive choice. With a tapered steel pole construction is simple and fast, basically a matter of finishing it and building a masthead fitting which shouldn't take much time. And it's slightly less expensive than a hybrid.

If a 10 meter hybrid mast would be in the 70 kg ballpark and we add 30-40 kg for sail/battens/yard, we're looking at 100-110 kg for the hybrid vs 120-130 kg with steel. Not a huge difference, even if weight aloft (or lack thereof) is important. Or..?

In any case I don't need to make a final decision right now. I will construct the sail during winter and if I can get a hold of a warm space to build a hybrid mast I'll consider it, otherwise I'll just go with steel. I can always upgrade later. In a perfect world I'd prefer an all-aluminum mast but that will have to wait until I'm somewhere in the world where tapered aluminum poles are more readily available.

By the way, I'm curious as to why you think a half-barrel shape would be better than a straight taper?

Arne, the rig has to be offshore-capable.

Bottom line: Yes, a steel or solid wooden mast is on the heavy side and probably suboptimal, but it will most likely have to do for now. The general opinion here seems to be that it will work all right for my boat. And reading the discussion about heavy masts[2] it might even be somewhat of a Good Thing.

[1] Spring 2014 projects: Last spring I built a double berth in the forepeak and now with the junk rig it's going to be ruined with a mast in the middle of it, so I'm planning to build a new one behind the companionway stairs, which requires shrinking the cockpit footwell and raising the bridgedeck. I also did a hasty bottom job to be able to get the boat in the water as soon as possible and it will likely need to be redone. The deck will also need a bunch of work to accomodate the JR mast; reinforcements, partner, move the hatch, etc.

[2] Why try for a light mast (stability, mast weight and rolling): http://junkrigassociation.org/technical_forum?mode=MessageList&eid=1313268

Oscar

As David mentions above, I am in the process of replacing my solid wooden mast due to the weight.  Several 'hybrid' masts have been built and Arne recently did a write up of his.  In a previous magazine (not sure which issue) there is an article written by Annie about her hybrid mast.  I've found it fairly straightforward to source the section of aluminium required, and I estimate the total cost of my new mast will be around £500.

Peter

OK Oscar, good. I mentioned it partly to bring it to peoples' attention again.

When Lesley and I get the new JRA members' Projects Forum going - hopefully this weekend - one of them will be asking for a 'volunteer' to update it by comparing what's in it already with what's been added to members' profiles since it was published.

Oscar, don't forget members produced a mast database which you can download via that link. You can also access it through Junk Information > Useful Links > Sails, Masts and Gear.

Thanks for the tip, I just emailed him. Although I doubt that the price will be anywhere near the quote I got for the steel pole.