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Carbon Fibre has been a real boon to the
racing dinghy sailor. It's long lasting properties
ensure that the inital higher cost of a spar is easily offset
by a long life span.
Add to this is the ability of a
carbon spar to be modified to suit the needs of the sailor. Be
it in the bending characteristics for Finn or OK masts, or the
addition of stiffening in selected places to control mast
flexing in stayed masts.
Carbon fibre masts can suffer
incredible abuse before failure, however they must be
repaired as and when problems arise. The motto for
carbon spar owners is "eternal vigilance".
Inspect the
spars frequently and get damage fixed before there is a break.
While broken carbon fibre masts can be repaired, it is better
to fix before they break. |  |
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Before starting any project, a thorough
inspect of the spar is undertaken and a written report prepared on
how the repairs will be completed together with costs. Typical
example of one of our reports here. The
reports are a invaluable when claiming insurance cover, nothing
beats an independent report from a reputable repair company to best
represent a claim. |
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For a free written quotation - contact us
directly using the information at the top. |
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With our ability to create custom components we
can manufacture all unique or irreplaceable carbon fibre spar
parts as and when required. Post installation of masthead
halyard locks a speciality. |
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| (view a typical broken spar repair here) |
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A typical example of what can be seen on a
damaged carbon fibre spar. Cracks and paint delamination in high
stress areas. This crack is just below the boom fitting and above
the deck.
This carbon mast is a Southern Spars built Finn
wing mast of 1995 vintage. Even after the cracks was
noticed, the mast was use for over six months in at times
25 knot winds and steep seas.
Replacement value for a Finn
wing mast is around NZ$7000. So a repair now is well
worthwile. |
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The preparation process clearly shows the extend
of the damage with a 50mm crack right through the layup.
Incredibly this mast did not break. |
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All fixed with a custom designed layup patch
ready for further finishing work. |
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New boom carrier fabricated, clear finish applied
plus a new deck collar machined and glued on. This mast should last
another 10 years at least and all for a very modest outlay in repair
cost.
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