billmcinnis
Member
I’ve seen questions in a number of threads regarding spar transport tubes. I thought I’d pass on some info that might be useful.
Most people use the white SCH 40 PVC pipe. The 8” size has a wall thickness of .322 in and weighs about 5.5 #/ft. It’s good stuff, but, it’s heavy and expensive, costing about $150 per spar tube. You can buy a standard end cap plus an aluminum door and mounting hardware by Blaylock (model TCK-8) for about $100. This makes a really nice rig, but, it’s expensive and a bit heavy.
Not many people are aware of a less expensive option which is SDR 35 sewer pipe (SDR means standard diameter ratio). It’s also PVC and is usually lime green. The 8 in size has a wall thickness of .240” and weighs about 4 #/ft. It’s made either with two plain ends or with an internal gasket on one end. The gasketed type is more readily available however. The gasket end is enlarged a bit to allow a second tube to slide in and the gasket seals the joint. The tube more than strong enough and comes in 14 foot lengths, which is ideal for a spar tube. The price varies, but, it should be less than $40 for a 14-footer. You won’t find it at Home Depot or Lowe’s. You need to find a regular plumbing supply distributor.
If you put the plain end in front you can get a cap end fitting to close it for about $20. The caps come either plain (glue-on type) or with a gasket. It’s better to use the glue type as the gasket type is hard to install. For the gasketed end you can pry out the gasket and use a smooth plastic plug for the removable closure. You should cut the skirt off to about 1 or 1 ½ in. It also costs about $20. Attached are some pics showing a pipe and ends.
Alternately, you could plug the gasketed end and put it in the front. You would then obtain or make a removable or swinging closure for the plain end.
Most people use the white SCH 40 PVC pipe. The 8” size has a wall thickness of .322 in and weighs about 5.5 #/ft. It’s good stuff, but, it’s heavy and expensive, costing about $150 per spar tube. You can buy a standard end cap plus an aluminum door and mounting hardware by Blaylock (model TCK-8) for about $100. This makes a really nice rig, but, it’s expensive and a bit heavy.
Not many people are aware of a less expensive option which is SDR 35 sewer pipe (SDR means standard diameter ratio). It’s also PVC and is usually lime green. The 8 in size has a wall thickness of .240” and weighs about 4 #/ft. It’s made either with two plain ends or with an internal gasket on one end. The gasketed type is more readily available however. The gasket end is enlarged a bit to allow a second tube to slide in and the gasket seals the joint. The tube more than strong enough and comes in 14 foot lengths, which is ideal for a spar tube. The price varies, but, it should be less than $40 for a 14-footer. You won’t find it at Home Depot or Lowe’s. You need to find a regular plumbing supply distributor.
If you put the plain end in front you can get a cap end fitting to close it for about $20. The caps come either plain (glue-on type) or with a gasket. It’s better to use the glue type as the gasket type is hard to install. For the gasketed end you can pry out the gasket and use a smooth plastic plug for the removable closure. You should cut the skirt off to about 1 or 1 ½ in. It also costs about $20. Attached are some pics showing a pipe and ends.
Alternately, you could plug the gasketed end and put it in the front. You would then obtain or make a removable or swinging closure for the plain end.