Mast Purchase
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 1:58 amI just wish to inform the i550 builders of an available one piece American made carbon fiber mast available for purchase. The mast I purchased was at a reduced price because one of the internal reinforcement patches of the mast doesn't meet the Melges specifications for the one design class. All of the standing rigging attachments and halyard exits were already cut into the mast blank. After many discussions with Forte and additional calculations I determined the mast would closely fit i550 class requirements with a few minor acceptable differences. The mast head will be 1 1/2" lower then i550 class max allowed height and the lower spreaders will be 10 inches lower then i550 plans indicate. I will need to reinforce the mast at the gooseneck and build the spreaders and mast head. For a carbon mast it was a good deal, not a steal. I believe Forte has one more of these masts left to sell. Speak with Clint if you call them. One other difference is that the section of this mast is a bit more stout then the other sections I've researched. I feel this is ok for Mist as I'm building a significantly more stout boat then plans indicate. I plan to sail Mist in heavy air and get the most out of her.