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Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=40619
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Author:  kayakman7 [ Fri Dec 16, 2011 10:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

Hi,

I've had issues with the mast top spinning independent of the bottom. As you can imagine, that really can affect my ability to furl. I now have a few extra windings on the furling drum which helps but I have still run out of line before the sail it's furled.

I use the downhaul, the sail set properly on the mast top, and I have taped the two mast pieces together.

So, now I'm thinking of epoxying them together w west systems epoxy. Will this void my warranty? Is there any other reason why I shouldn't? Only thing I can think of is if the mast broke, I would only have to replace half...

Any thoughts appreciated!

J

Author:  tonystott [ Fri Dec 16, 2011 10:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

Maybe drill matching 3mm holes through both and fit plastic zip ties (I think you guys call them wire ties)

Author:  Fly4v [ Sat Dec 17, 2011 6:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

Kayakman7,

Use 100 mph/duct tape. Stops the mast spinning and you can take it apart if needed.
Thanks for reminding me, it was a Mod I didn't write up in "Leading Others".

Author:  kayakman7 [ Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

yeah, i tried tape and don't want to weaken the mast or create a wear point on the sail by drilling a hole.

was really hoping for any reasons NOT to glue.

j

Author:  PassWind [ Wed Dec 21, 2011 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

you do not want to drill through carbon fiber - it will splinter

Author:  Jbernier [ Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

We wouldn't recommend you drilling through your mast, use some tape and more downhaul tension - that should help.

Author:  cliffs2yak [ Wed Dec 21, 2011 1:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

Duct tape seems to be holding my TI's mast okay but did have the top half rotate about 1/4". Guess I should have applied the tape a little more tightly to add more compression next time.

Definitly don't recommend drilling since it will more likely result in breakage when stressed. Experienced this with the surfcasting poles we use here in Hawaii. The small chip can result in breakage during the cast or when fighting a big fish. Been using surfboard wax to tighten up their splice joint but not sure if it would help on a larger AI or TI mast. The forum can chime in if this is a good idea.

Tolerances look pretty tight on these masts. But you might want to check if there's a flaw that's resulting in some unusual looseness. If it keeps on rotating on you despite doing what everyone else is doing, you might want to have your dealer look at it and compare it to other masts in stock.

cheers!

c2y

Author:  KayakingBob [ Wed Dec 21, 2011 9:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

Remember, the top of the AI/TI masts are meant to rotate. I tape my mast pieces with duct tape, but no longer worry about the sail twist as it always seems to work itself out.

Author:  kayakman7 [ Thu Dec 22, 2011 5:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

reconlon wrote:
Remember, the top of the AI/TI masts are meant to rotate. I tape my mast pieces with duct tape, but no longer worry about the sail twist as it always seems to work itself out.


why are they meant to rotate? that would seem to defeat the purpose of the roller furling.

i have my mast taped and my downhaul is installed. still spins. when i return from a trip, i frequently find that the downhaul needs to be moved 180 degrees to alleviate the twist in the sail.
i also have issues getting the last half turn out of bottom of the sail because the top is already fully pulled out

the only reasons i can see for having a two piece mast are; cheaper shipping and it is difficult to manufacture long carbonfiber poles.

cliffs2yak wrote:
Tolerances look pretty tight on these masts. But you might want to check if there's a flaw that's resulting in some unusual looseness. If it keeps on rotating on you despite doing what everyone else is doing, you might want to have your dealer look at it and compare it to other masts in stock.
cliffs2yak

i will check my tolerances and see if it's very sloppy.

j

Author:  romenfree [ Mon Feb 20, 2012 4:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

I am curious, are they carbon fibre or fibre glass? :?:

Author:  tonystott [ Mon Feb 20, 2012 5:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

The latest Hobie Kayak catalogue says the TI has a carbon fibre mast. This is not mentioned on the AI page.

Author:  Tom Kirkman [ Mon Feb 20, 2012 8:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

I built a carbon fiber one-piece mast. Much stiffer and stronger, but lighter. I greatly prefer it.

Author:  kayakman7 [ Mon Feb 20, 2012 3:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

they are carbon fiber and mine is now a piece mast

i got tired of the spinning... i had a full 360 degrees of twist in the sail the other day

it frustrates me to no end that my sail shape is distorted, costing performance and adding wear to the sail. i'll post some pics later

j

Author:  kayakman7 [ Wed Feb 22, 2012 6:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

I used West Systems epoxy thickened with microfibers for the glue up and an 8 foot and a 6 foot box level with plenty of clamps to ensure that it remained as straight as possible.
Image
Image
Image

This is why I bothered to make a one piece mast.
Moderate winds (10 to 15) and I still had nearly a full rotation in the sail

Image
Image
Image

I will report the results soon, haven't had a chance to take a sea trial yet,

cheers,

j

Author:  KayakingBob [ Wed Feb 22, 2012 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Has anyone converted to a one piece mast?

J,

Did you just glue the two sections together, or did you also fill in the center to strengthen and reduce flex?

Did it add much additional weight?

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