I have been told that the number 1 enemy of Carbon Fiber is water (moisture) and the number 2 enemy is UV. That being said, masts are constantly being bombarded by UV and if capsized, by water.
Does that mean that all the Carbon Masts have a "shelf Life" of "X" number of seasons?
Don't know about shelf life, but a year or so ago, I heard that the average life of a carbon beachcat mast which was raced hard was three years. Apparently, they tend to get broken with a fair amount of regularity. Of course, this should become less of a problem as more sailors learn to use the main as a backstay when the chute is up...
for what it's worth...
I guess if you're looking for longevity, you better get a Hobie 18 or a Wave!
Tim J.
We haven't had any problems here in San Diego. We have over a dozen I20's plus an I18 and I17R - since they first came out 3-4 years ago. The masts are holding up great. Also, another sailor and I have each dropped our masts once and they are fine.
Sail fast and have fun,
Alan Thompson
I20 - San Diego
My Bim has "naked" carbon beams and mast and I was also worried about UV. Last year, I painted all the carbon surfaces with clear spar polyurethane. So far so good. The clear coat gives the carbon a deep wet look and hopefully will minimize UV damage.
Folks,
If the masts are contructed with prepreg carbon there is a UV barrier incorporated in the resin and so they shouldn't be bothered by UV. If the mast is wet layup that is a different issue altogether.
I would expect commercially produced masts to be all pre-preg.
Phill
I would expect a carbon mast to hold up quite well in the sun as long as you clean it and wax it every season. What you have to watch out for is scratches etc. which all mast are prone to get. Put non skid below the mast tang and where the diamond wires attach at the base of the mast.
Be a little careful before drilling holes in a carbon mast and reshooting rivits. Use the correct rivits and prep properly.
Don't capsize in the surf and enjoy the benefits of a carbon mast.
i know phil knows, but....you can get an uv additive for epoxy. the other choice for the home builder is a super clear lp paint.
Michael,
I purchased my first carbon mast in 1994 for my Nacra 5.5 Uni. I left it on the trailer in the sunlight all summer long but would bring it inside for winter storage (November thru March). This boat and mast are still competing without issue. It is a production mast from Performance and came painted white. I did nothing extra to protect it. I don't think there is any problem with moisture or UV for the painted carbon masts.