Posted by nickandcol (sladen-dew@…>)
Does anyone know what the life of a carbon spar is and how one could
check the integrity of such a mast?
Posted by michel.capel (michel.capel@…>)
My Freedom 44 was built in 1981 as hull #4. The mizzen is original and
in good working order. It had the usual cosmetic horizontal cracks
which I have now treated. There is X-ray technology to check for
invisible damage. It’s the same technology they use to check oil and
gas pipelines. I think it’s not cheap to have this done.
Hope this helps.
michel
— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “nickandcol” <sladen-
dew@…> wrote:
Does anyone know what the life of a carbon spar is and how one could
check the integrity of such a mast?
Posted by mdurki (vaughan@…>)
In BoatUS Seaworthy Magazine for December 2006 there was a review of
the Freedom 30/32 written by Jack Hornor, N.A., principal surveryor and
senior designer for the Annapolis based Marine Survey & Design Co.
(www.msdco.com). The review included the following:
“Although some feel that jury is still out on the longevity of carbon
fiber masts, after more than 20 years service I see no reason this
technology should be shied away from. Most carbon fiber masts of this
age will show some age and flex related crazing on the surface but I
know of no greater incidence of failure of older carbon fiber masts
that of aluminum.”
— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “nickandcol” <sladen-dew@…>
wrote:
Does anyone know what the life of a carbon spar is and how one could
check the integrity of such a mast?