Paul Thompson wrote:Gary, ask your supplier, if you can get T8/Hard drawn tube in NZ, I find it hard to believe that you cannot get it in OZ. Ullrich is the supplier in NZ and they have an office in Brisbane:

20 Ron Boyle Crescent, Carole Park, QLD4300 PO Box 246, Carole Park, QLD4300

Branch Manager:

Shane Rothero

+61 (7) 3718 1400

+61 (7) 3271 1230

srothero@ullrich.com.au

I've emailed them Paul.

Gary, ask your supplier, if you can get T8/Hard drawn tube in NZ, I find it hard to believe that you cannot get it in OZ. Ullrich is the supplier in NZ and they have an office in Brisbane:

20 Ron Boyle Crescent, Carole Park, QLD4300 PO Box 246, Carole Park, QLD4300

Branch Manager:

Shane Rothero

+61 (7) 3718 1400

+61 (7) 3271 1230

srothero@ullrich.com.au

Remembering that Annie's battens, though they are 38mm dia, are in the stronger T8 temper, which is hard to get in Australia; and remembering that my 38mm Australian battens, in T5 temper, bent if I sneezed too hard on them, I'm inclined to suggest that if you can only get T5 temper, you should go for 45mm dia, 50mm being a little too big for Redwing.

Gary, I think 50mm tube is probably over kill for your boat. I think 38mm x 1.5 would be fine and it will fit your webbing straps etc. So it'd be lighter and less work for you. Cheaper also...

Annie's Fantail has 38mm battens and they have not given trouble.

I think  given the closeness of my planned launch date I reckon if they get a sand and a few coats of clear finish they will be doing well. I am looking forward to seeing with my own eyes how it holds up.