I am working though the progress of designing a rig for my contessa 26. I have a sail plan for a split junk with an area of 305 sq. ft. My first thought was to buy a flag pole. I can probably get just about any size and dimension but everything is made of 6063 around here. And it ain't cheap neither! It is definitely still a possibility though.
Arnie's hybrid mask seems like the way to go. I was thinking too hard today, and was wondering if anyone has built it the other way around. Wood on bottom, aluminum top section? My thoughts are...
Wood can handle the high stress levels at the mast partner without work hardening.
I can have a square foot and partner to distribute force over a larger surface area.
I can access the wood section easily to keep it maintained.
I can make a very good joint between the two by fitting the wood to match the ID of the aluminum. even offering of foot for the aluminum to rest on.
Wood inside the boat looks nice, and I can hang a picture of Mom on it.
The "lighter material" would be placed higher on the rig. ( I know this will make for a heavier mast potentially. With more wood, more weight)
This is just a wild idea I want to throw out there. I really have no idea what I am doing. This is my first post so I hope y'all can throw me a bone.
Jeff