Carbon fiber spars

[H.Finn]

Sure, all the glossy adds tell us they are lighter and super-strong.....but how do they hold up over the long haul?

Does extended exposure to UV cause delamination or splintering?

Can you repaint / refinish an old carbon spar?

Other longevity problems?

Any wisdom the forum could offer would be greatly appreciated.

[Stumble]

Figure an aloft weight reduction of 40-50% with standard carbon, and a 65% weight reduction with HM carbon. This may or may not be important to you, but it can make a substantial difference in the stiffness of the boat, in large part because the weight is carried so far aloft.

Many small (moth, windsurfers, A-Cat's) masts are just clear coated, but for a mast that isn't protected they should really be painted to protect the epoxy. That being said, painting a carbon mast is much easier than trying to paint aluminum, much more like painting fiberglass. Over time it may become necessary to repaint, but it isn't a regular maintenance item.

Overall I would always prefer CF to aluminum however the price (while getting more affordable) can still be substantially more.

[gamayun]

The 50-foot CF spar on my Freedom 36/38 is 25 years old. No problems. Hasn't needed repainting either. You just have to remember to not reach for the stays when going forward....

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by gamayun

You just have to remember to not reach for the stays when going forward....

Why is that?

There has been some discussion on the subject >here<.

[Stumble]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

Why is that?

There has been some discussion on the subject >here<.

Because there are no stays on a Freedom. It's a free standing rig.