Or you just take your business somewhere else. There is no better way to
send a message to a vendor.
Forte was helpful in sending me an inner tube and sleeve, but basically
its a spare at this point. I also think that this particular mast was
missing re-enforcement at the hounds, which is where it broke. (but still
the wall thickness were off)
I think clearly we have been guinea pigs for the Forte venture into mast
making. And although I think it would be nice to have a local NA vendor, I
am just not willing to dump any more $$ into it at this stage.
Christian
On Feb 20, 2008 9:56 AM, <BDally6107@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Christian,
>
> Somehow, my computer automatically sent that last email after typing one
> word--sorry.
>
> I had not heard of this Forte mast that you had trouble with. Lets get it
> back to Forte and either get your money back or get a replacement tube. The
> only way we have to keep suppliers on the right track is to force them to
> correct their mistakes. Be assured, from what you've said, they owe you a
> new mast tube and we can force that to happen. It is not acceptable for the
> tube to weigh more than 9 lbs or for the carbon to be placed as you
> described. We do a significant volume of business with them and need to
> know when this kind of thing happens.
>
> Bram
> In a message dated 2/20/2008 6:28:45 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> swiftsolo@xxxxxxxxx writes:
>
> Hi Kerem,
>
> I have used both masts. The reason I went for CST, is that the Fortes have
> some quality problems. I have one which weighs a ton, and another
> that broke after only 5-6 times on the water (bought less than a year
> ago). When it broke I could see that the wall thickness was twice the
> thickness on one side than the other. So I think the Forte guys still have
> some work to do, to come up with a process to make a consistent product.
> You'll pay more
> with the CST, but you might end up paying twice with Forte. Also the
> spreader system CST sells is much nicer and more adjustable than any you can
> make yourself.
>
> I've used the double spreader system on both the Forte and the CST mast.
> (really has notthing to do with the mast) but basically there is a 11 foot
> gap between the lowers and the top set of spreaders with the setup from
> the current rigging guide.
> I noticed that this section tends to bend out, preventing the top section
> from doing as much gust response as it could. Adding the set
> of lower spreaders keeps the mast side bend straighter and allows better
> control of the top
> section using the uppers. Obviously there are times where this matters
> more than others. (gusty vs not gusty)
>
> The other thing that I think is worth considering is to not use synthetic
> line as the shrouds. The lightning and ultrex is just way to stretchy
> and I think the rig feels "wishywashy." I think that probably makes a
> bigger difference than the double spreaders. Initially I had just my
> primaries/forestay made from dyform. (wire) and the boat just felt a lot
> more "precise" in its handling. If you do decide to use synthetic
> you should increase the the diameter and go for vectran which has less
> stretch.
>
> Then again these tuning things tend to be only a minor part of doing well
> in races. It still comes down to picking the right lanes/sides and
> making fewer mistakes than your opponents and having no break downs with
> your boat.
>
> Christian
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
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>
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