My Bim2000 A-cat carbon mast broke in the lower section. I am concernted that it may take some time to get a new mast (I live in Slovenia). I visited a local Kayak factory that seemed very modern and professional. They had a 6m long vaccuume facility and felt that they could "repair" the mast.
This is attractive in that it could get me back on the water and off the phones quick. Especially if not so expensive.
1. Is a repaired mast useful at all?-- for practice or minor competitions, etc.
2. Any special tricks or requirements?
3. A new mast is 1 to 2 kilobucks here. When I get an estimate for a repair, at what price is a repair not worth it?
Thanks,
Matt
In my younger days I built Kayaks and I would think that a proper repair would be as strong as the original mast or stronger however it will affect the flex characteristics of the mast if it is on the lower section this will be less of a problem that the top.
Mayhem,
I know of a carbon mast that broke in two and was repaired by the owner.
I believe the repaired mast then took out the State Titles.
If these guys seem to know what they are doing go for it and only order the new one if the repaired one doesn't measure up. If they want to much to repair it, do it yourself.
Regards,
Phill