I can't speak about mast stuff, but I've been importing carbon /Kevlar
tiller extensions for the Musto fleet from CST for the last year, and they
have been an excellent company to deal with. The product has been top
notch, and they have delivered exactly what they said they would when they
said they would.
Speaking of which, if anyone is interested in the CST carbon extensions for
the Swift, let me know. I realize Bram is a proponent of the Al Ronstan
ones but I personally can't stand them. The carbon Kevlar basically does
not break (we have about 10 people using them now, and nobody has broken one
yet) and they just don't get bent out of shape like the AL does. Plus they
are stiffer and more responsive.
Ron
_____
From: swiftsolo [mailto:swiftsolo@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:28 AM
To: Kerem Kirkpinar
Cc: swiftsolo@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Forte or CST Mast - Verdict out yet?
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
On Feb 20, 2008 1:30 AM, Kerem Kirkpinar <email.kerem@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi everyone,
First off wishing you all a great regatta and social gathering soon at Fort
Desoto. I am following through the developments with envy waiting for the
day when I can join you all in a similar get together.
Will start ordering supplies soon and wanted to know if the Forte or CST
mast, single or double spreader verdict is out yet. I am very much
interested to see if any of the builders pursuing the CST + double spreader
approach has put their boats on the water and their results.
I look forward to getting some feedback.
Thanks & Best Regards,
Kerem
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