Should I consider a replacement carbon mast on my IRC boat?

Ben Hall answers

Ben Hall joined Hall Spars & Rigging in 1984. The resident speed freak, Ben races the A-Class catamaran, and is a three-time North American champion. His envelope-pushing masts have led to tooling innovations for a wide range of craft. He is also Hall's leader in many development classes, including the maxZ86 and America's Cup rigs. Hall Spars & Rigging manufactures high-performance, autoclave-cured carbon fibre masts, booms, spinnaker poles, and reaching struts for boats from 40 feet LOA to Super Yachts. Hall Spars & Rigging introduced autoclave curing to spar making in 1992, and lead the industry in tonnage of autoclave-cured laminates. Hall’s knowledge, experience, and processes are unrivalled. Hall’s 100% autoclave curing has no equal when it comes to ensuring strength by eliminating voids and optimising fibre straightness. With factories in the U.S. (20-meter autoclave) and Holland (40-meter autoclave), Hall creates spars for clients around the world. Hall is the provider of spars to Alinghi, Swiss Challenger for America¹s Cup 2003.

Robert McLeod asks:

I have a 32ft Cruiser which I race under IRC. The aluminium mast is 21 Years old and the boat has been raced hard over its life with 4 Fastnets.

The time has come to change the standing wire rigging for a second time and I wonder whether I should also change the mast as a precaution. If so would it make any sense to go for a carbon mast and if so what are the downsides? How much more expensive will it be and how will it affect my IRC rating which is currently 0.899


Robert,

Whether or not to replace your masts depends on its condition and how well it was maintained over the years. It is very possible that the mast is fine. If it's in rough shape (e.g. lots of corrosion, cracks at critical areas, etc.), however, then you should replace it.

The answers to your questions regarding carbon are 'yes'; A carbon rig will be more expensive and it will affect your rating.

But there are upsides, even for an older boat like yours. Depending on the level of optimization of your old mast, installing a carbon mast will result in a noticeable increase in performance (the heavier your old mast, the more dramatic the change). From our experience, even owners of classic boats have found that a carbon mast 'transforms' the boat.

The expense of a carbon mast will depend upon the construction method. Research your local builders and their methods, and compare the prices. As far as the rating difference, you will need to talk to a yacht designer to get an accurate calculation. If the penalty is more than 6 sec./mile, it's
probably not worth it.

The bottom line is: if you love your boat and plan to keep it another 21 years, a carbon mast would be a good investment. The improvement in performance and the longevity of carbon (no corrosion, etc.) are huge benefits. And it's cool (which affects resale value). Otherwise, you might do well to buy a new boat with a new carbon rig.

Ben Hall