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Keep in mind that you will need to get the tube anodized . . .
. . . But as BB already pointed out, making your own mast may not save you any money unless you have an inexpensive way to anodize![]()
I worked with a guy in NZ over the winter (our winter) who used appropriately sized Bamboo instead of aluminum tube. Initial reports were, the bamboo was holding up quite well. I'm hoping for an update next season.To solve this, I have previously suggested using a tree trunk of the appropriate diameter as a mast, but no one has taken me up on that idea yet.
New thread started in a more fitting area. Click HereReal nice proa pic wayne...... MORE PLEASE ! , the last hilu thread as me a gaga for proa![]()
I seem to remember so time ago that someone posted the size, alloy, and temper of the commercial aluminum tubing used in the Sunfish mast. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks
Um..., Clear anodizing is simply an attribute you specify when ordering aircraft grade 6061 or 6063 aluminum tubing.
I think the confusion comes because people see they can also order non-anodized tubing at a slightly lower cost, but for this and most typical applications for this grade tube, anodized is the norm.
You definitely don't want to get into after market anodizing unless you are going to do your own dye job and the expense is superfluous to your goal. It takes a tank (length of PVC pipe) long enough to immerse the tube, making it the "anode " in an electrolytic reaction to seal the micro-surface layer against corrosion.
How is aluminum anodized and colored?
- Two different processes which can be combined -
http://www2.ucdsb.on.ca/tiss/stretton/chem3/Lab_22_Anodizing_Aluminum.html
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Certainly less costly done in bulk at the extruder plant.
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I worked with a guy in NZ over the winter (our winter) who used appropriately sized Bamboo instead of aluminum tube. Initial reports were, the bamboo was holding up quite well. I'm hoping for an update next season.
. . . getting back to the lateen sailing craft roots ... as it were.
.![]()
Here in central Florida, there's a clump of suitably-sized bamboo adjacent to a parking lot.Hi sorry to revive an old thread but I'm really curious whatever happened with the bamboo mast and how long it lasted? I moved to Ecuador a couple of years ago and picked up a sunfish clone hull with no mast. But there is tons of bamboo available.
Thanks Matt
Tie a bowline about tenchesThanks, Even if you can't find it for free on the beach here, bamboo is super cheap. I purchased a slightly smaller piece to use as a walking stick for about 2 or 3 dollars. I will have to pick up a suitably sized bamboo tube and give it a try.
Any suggestions on good knots to use for a gooseneck & a halyard? I have the aluminum spars.
Thanks again,
Matt
Tie a bowline about six inches inches in diameter, place the upper spar across it, and thread the bitter end through the bowline three times. Include the spar in the wraps. Pull tight. For pictures, use this forum's search feature to find "thrice".
You'll have a hitch that loosens from the spar easily, slides up and down temporarily, yet will grip extra tight upon raising the spar.