• Registered: 2006-04-05
  • Posts: 14

Topic: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

Provided you're not one of the lucky fews that get to change the entire set of equipment each year, how long do you expect your carefully handeled 100% race masts to last?

After 2 years of use my SRS 100's 460 and 520 masts begin to show moderate signs of wear such as cam grind marks etc, which ofcourse is expected and inevitable.

I would'nt worry about this for a second if it was'nt for me often sailing quite a bit offshore (and I do honor all general saftey rules as far as possible) on long cruises, thus being very dependent on my equipment.

For this reason I wonder how much normal wear (cam grinds etc) one can allow before tosssing the mat away and getting a new one? How long have you used your race masts without failure? I know life of a mast is subject to many parameters and therefore my questions might be hard to answer, but what are your experience and thoughts about this issue?

thanks !

Andy

  • geo
  • Member
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  • From: southern Tuscany, Italy
  • Registered: 2006-01-24
  • Posts: 497

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

Hi Andy...
I bought an SRS 100% 460 mast and a 190-240 carbon boom in 2006, when I switched to Maui Sails. Past season I decided I would feel more secure with some backup, so I ordered another 460 mast and another 190-240 boom. Would you believe it, both failed on me after a few sessions.
Both were replaced under warranty as promptly as possible, of course; and I reckon it was just an unfortunate coincidence, as Maui Sails materials are reported as among the sturdiest. But my perspective was changed since then.
Oversized carbon manufacts, like windsurfing materials are, are not subject to progressive deterioration, unless obvious cases such as cam abrasion; but they are strongly subject to manufacturing problems. Therefore, now I consider my oldest and most used stuff as the most reliable. The longer one piece has been used showing no problems, the higher chances are it has no manufacturing defects.

One funny thing: my 'old' 2006 460 mast is 1.57 kg; the '09 one that broke was close to 1.9. Weight is not necessarily an indicator for sturdiness of carbon parts.

Last edited by geo (2010-07-08 00:11:51)

geo's Website

  • Registered: 2007-07-26
  • Posts: 17

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

I have some 4.30 s and 4.60s that are 4 years old (maybe older) a couple even have gaastra tops on them. Still work fine and if they have lasted this long I am sure they are good for another couple of years.
Had to tidy up where the top contacts the bottom.with some epoxy.
I only change if I have to or someone wants to buy a used mast off me.

Terry

  • Registered: 2005-11-07
  • Posts: 7

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

Excellent question, I am looking forward for others experiences,especially from ms team.
Mine race masts (none ms but some gaastras from barrys time there) holded up great, in average I had them for 3 seasons. And changed them out of precaution. Only mast that snapped on me was 550 formula, aged 3years and with under 2kg weight

  • From: Auckland
  • Registered: 2005-07-09
  • Posts: 64

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

I've gone through 2 SRS 460 100% but I know of 2 locals who have been using that same model since 2005. Previously I used a powerex 460 100% for 5 years before I sold it.  I only change masts if they break or I change sail brands.  If I sailed by myself I would be more cautious with my gear but I?m usually out with the lads???.touch wood

  • Registered: 2009-07-30
  • Posts: 34

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

I sail them until they break.  The good news is that they almost always break while sitting on shore.  I haven't broken an SRS mast yet (I have 4), but the old Ignition masts were a different story.  The 520's and 550's are the most likely to break.

As I recall, Barry said at one time that heat from the sun on carbon masts was not a problem if the masts are made correctly.  My theory - It seems that masts do occasionally have air pockets in them and the sun can cause them to snap while rigged if they get hot enough.  In Texas, a black mast in the sun for 10 minutes will burn skin.  Keep the sails shaded or keep them wet.

  • Registered: 2010-07-19
  • Posts: 6

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

Ken, I'm with you.

My problem is that I have broken 3 Gaastra Ignitions in one year.  These are 2004 models that are approved by Barry and Phil for MS sails since they have the correct bend curve.  A 520, 550, and 550.

All 3 broke on the beach prior to taking out onto the water.

I still have a 520 for my 10.0 TR-4.  I am paranoid about it now.  It, as well as my MS sails, are residing in the garage until I figure this out.  Back to my reliable Sailworks.

Should I just bite the very expensive bullet and buy MS SRS 100 masts?

--Rick

  • Registered: 2009-07-30
  • Posts: 34

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

Rick,

The SRS mast are great.  Barry and Phil learned a lot making formula masts while at Gaastra.  Neil Pryde may still be learning.  It's best to make them strong and give up a little weight savings.

I know I broke 3 or 4 Ignition masts so yours will likely break too.  Once you get them on the water, you will probably be ok.  Use them until they break.

  • Registered: 2005-02-12
  • Posts: 31

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

I broke several Ignition 460s, but have been using a 550 on all of my 11.0s for almost 6 years, so it is a good one. I've used it at least 120xs.  I have a new MS 550 as a spare, but haven't had to pull it out yet.

  • Registered: 2010-07-15
  • Posts: 2

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

Thanks for helping me with my problems about Ignition, all of your posts was useful and informative. Great job!

magnets nz
Printed Magnets
Custom Magnets
  • From: New Zealand
  • Registered: 2005-04-26
  • Posts: 79

Re: How long do you keep your 100% race masts ?

I have been wondering that myself.  I purchased by 100% MS masts back when the brand was launched.  They have been used in a succession of TR's from TR1 through to TR5.  They are all still in one piece, 430,460 and 490.