MAST SECTIONS

Manufacturing methods are varied to deliver the most cost effective method of production for a given tube or part. Larger size One Design rigs are built in female moulds. The tubes are produced in one piece by blowing up a bag (bladder) inside the tube to put the required amount of pressure onto the laminate. This pressure is similar to that achieved in an autoclave, and once under pressure the self-heating moulds are switched on to cure the tube at 120°. Using a female mould on larger tubes produces a more efficient high performance laminate as the fibres are stretched as they are pressurised. For smaller tubes and tubes with thin walls, we use a male mould. Thin walled tubes do not suffer from the same risk of fibre crimping as can happen when thicker walled tubes are made on a male mould. The male moulding system is very efficient and cost effective for simple round and oval tubes as used for poles and sprits. These are made by rolling pre-preg carbon around the mandrel. The fibre can be laid at any angle, but typically has around 80% laid at 0°.

FEMALE MOULDED STANDARD SECTIONS

Sections are moulded with internal composite sailtracks Masts are individually engineered to produce custom laminates and wall thicknesses for each boat Not only are carbon masts lighter and smaller than their alloy equivalent, but they also respond better in gusts to produce a mast that accelerates faster and is easier to sail through the full wind range

FEMALE MOULDED WING SECTIONS

Suitable for boats from 16ft to 40ft Wing masts are used where maximum efficiency and minimum windage are paramount – Over rotating these sections increases lift and reduces drag significantly

MALE MOULDED ROUND SECTIONS

Suited for dinghies and boat trailer yachts Very cost effective solutions utilising high-performance laminates to achieve maximum stiffness to weight ratios Fibreglass sailtracks are glued and coved onto the back of the spar. These are designed to be flexible and have very little effect on spar stiffness Masts can be supplied as bare tubes, painted tubes or complete masts with rigging Prices available on request PASSION I TECHNOLOGY I DESIGN I PERFORMANCE

PARTS MANUAL I ONE DESIGN I www.southernspars.com