I just purchased a 16' Hobie with an aluminium mast. I see there is a composite tip on the newer ones. What is the purpose. I see words like safety and better sailing in high winds, but no explaination.
The composite tip mast was added around 1985 to prevent conducting electricity down to the boat if you hit any power lines, especially in the launch area. My mast is aluminum (1985 boat) and I was offered the
upgrade
free of charge but opted not to change it. I believe in racing the comptip is a requirement to be class legal. I don't race.
In addition to the comptip mast, the newer sails have no reef point. The metal cable portion of the older halyard was long to accomodate the second
slug
for reefing and if you had the sail up, that would negate the comptip.
That's what I figured. The better sailing in high wind must have to do with the weight.
My only experience with the Comptip wa helping someone raise their mast. My impression was that the Comptip made the mast heavier. If there is any sailing advantage, it may have to do with the bending of the mast for sail shape.
Howard
Yes it gives you a lot of bend to shape and flat in the sail. And a safety factor.
Doug
As an owner of a comp tip on my TheMightyHobie18 I woudl like to get an all metal mast as well. I want to add a spi but I cannot attach it to the proper height on the mast as the fiberglass is not string enough to handle the type of load it will see.
Basically, the comp tip is the result of a lawsuit from someone's family that was unable to avoid contacting an overhead power line while launching or rigging the boat. It's only advantage is it's non-conductivity. Just look at all the other manufacturer's and Hobie Europe... They don't have them.