Posted by: Paul Goodwin on October 20, 2005 at 07:15:23:
In Reply to: Wood for a mast posted by Bob Slook on October 17, 2005 at 19:34:00:
Hi Bob,
If you plan on building a wood mast based on the class
plans (or my article titled "A Wood Mast Made Easy", I have
written an update to the original article and developed a
(slightly) improved design. If you send me an email with
your address I will send you a copy.
Ken and John are correct when they recommend buying a
composite mast if you plan on racing, or a used wood mast
if you just want to sail on ice. I think the wood mast
is a great choice for a recreational sailor that doesn't
plan on racing. The reality is, almost all DN owners turn
into racers eventually. But wood masts are inexpensive,
and the cost of a composite mast can be put off until later.
One word of caution, sail designs for wood masts and
composite masts are not the same due to the different
flex characteristics. You can get a wood mast and matching
sail pretty cheap at a swap meet. But if you need to buy
a new sail, I would recommend getting one designed for a
composite mast, even if you are planning on using a wood
one. It will have better resale value, will be the proper
sail if you upgrade to a composite mast, and it will work
ok on the wood mast for recreational sailing.