Mast Weight

These forums are now closed

The forums are closed to new contributions. For informational purposes, all posts will remain available to read here.

6 posts / 0 new
Last post
Anonymous (not verified)
Mast Weight
The plan for my Tiki-21 mast equates to schedule 10 aluminum weighing 16.8kg (36.9 lbs). I have a piece of aluminum schedule 40 which weighs nearly twice that amount but is stronger; 30.8kg (67.7 lbs). Will the center beam support the added weight in a seaway? Thanks in advance for your comments. -Bruce in Louisiana, USA
Anonymous (not verified)
Re: Mast Weight
I don't know what my wooden mast weighs but alot more than a typical metal mast (I'm sure it weighs more than my 25kg daughter) I would have thought that its more complicated than the just weight of the mast (even though thats the variable in your equation). The base of the mast is a point load which is spread out by a raised batten on top of the front beam. Also, the mast weight is countered by the dolphin striker. A floppy rig will have bigger snatch loads than a firm rig but the firm rig will have a higher constant pressure. Also if two 90 kg blokes are standing next to the mast as you fall off the top of a wave then I would suggest that your additional 14kg in the mast is the least of your worries. I'm not helping much am I?
Anonymous (not verified)
Re: Mast Weight
Lighter is better, without a doubt. I hear you , though, Bruce: mast-size aluminum pipe is not particularly cheap! The problem is an accumulative one. A few pounds here, a few pounds there, and soon you are talking more than a few pounds! ;)
Anonymous (not verified)
Re: Mast Weight
Hi Bruce, how is your build going ? My 21 has had a bit of a January lull, too many nights by the fire , but I have started again in earnest with a view to a spring launch. I will update my photobucket post soon I hope. Regarding your mast, I built mine using Douglas Fir and a hollow construction " Birdsmouth" style as shown on the Duckworks Magazine website ( there is a link to it on my previous post Tiki 21 Build in Scotland). Although I have not finished sanding it down I weighed it today and it is 21Kg, so I expect about 20 Kg when finished sanding. You can see then your schedule 40 is way over the wooden mast weight so I would be reluctant to use that, I think the mast beam is probably one of the most stressed parts of the build and I would get an alloy mast for mine but for the price. There is also the pendulum effect of the mast weight adding to the unpleasant hobby horse motion that puts a lot of people off catamarans. Hope this helps you to think things out, and good luck with the rest of your build, Cheers Bill.
Anonymous (not verified)
Re: Mast Weight
mast weight is completely insignificant compared to the [b]tons [/b]of force imposed by rigging tension and sail pressure
Anonymous (not verified)
Re: Mast Weight
No doubt of that, Tex! Still, the weight of the mast is the weight of the mast. . . ;)