gouvernail
Super Opinionated and Always Correct
There is an accompanying where have you been putting the rivet poll.
I used to put the rivet aft. Eventually all top sections seemed to bend aft. I would end for end the top section and get another equal life before the second bend would ruin the mast. I never trusted straightened masts so I bought lots of masts.
Ken James, a Laser sailor and engineer made a case for placing the rivet on the side. Hank Kleespies, phd engineer who at that time designed tail sections for jet fighters could not refute Ken's "put it on the side" suggestion so we swithced to side rivet sailing.
I have not bought a new top section in four years. Each time I rig I check for bend. If I believe I can see any bending, I place the rivet on the side which would allow the mast to bend back to straight. if I can see no bend, I alternate the rivet from starboard to port each time I rig the boat.
Certainly one man's experience is just that...anecdotal. But, So far I have probably saved not only the funds for extra top sections but I have not torn a sail or say frustrated watching my friends sail off while I got a tow home.
What has been working for you? failing??
I used to put the rivet aft. Eventually all top sections seemed to bend aft. I would end for end the top section and get another equal life before the second bend would ruin the mast. I never trusted straightened masts so I bought lots of masts.
Ken James, a Laser sailor and engineer made a case for placing the rivet on the side. Hank Kleespies, phd engineer who at that time designed tail sections for jet fighters could not refute Ken's "put it on the side" suggestion so we swithced to side rivet sailing.
I have not bought a new top section in four years. Each time I rig I check for bend. If I believe I can see any bending, I place the rivet on the side which would allow the mast to bend back to straight. if I can see no bend, I alternate the rivet from starboard to port each time I rig the boat.
Certainly one man's experience is just that...anecdotal. But, So far I have probably saved not only the funds for extra top sections but I have not torn a sail or say frustrated watching my friends sail off while I got a tow home.
What has been working for you? failing??