Really good masts

[Gordy Hill]

When I was building my CS17 I found tapered fiberglass sections at a surplus outlet here in Orlando. The smallest end, going from about 1 3/8 inches to about 2 1/2 inches were cut off by a hacksaw to about 9 feet. I used them for the top sections of my masts and was very pleased with them. They weighed much less than an aluminum section. I look for them every time I'm in the place and haven't seen any. I've been told they were originally antennas. Before the hacksaw they were about 20 - 24 feet long. I understand they're from cell towers and are replaced at certain intervals and can be had for free or nearly free.... if you can find the damn things! I've tried Google and apparently haven't guessed the appropriate code word.

If you had the whole antenna you could take a section a bit lower if you wanted a slightly stiffer mast, or you could add a bit of carbon fiber for the same thing.

I used heavier-walled aluminum for the lower sections of my masts and they worked really well. The whole main with the sail rolled on it could easily be stepped from the ground beside the trailer.

The fiberglass section of the mast was very light and I never had any reason to doubt it's strength.

I mention this because the chances are that one of you are much better at finding such things.

[Craig]

Try calling the maintenance department at the phone company

[Gordy Hill]

Thanks Craig,

I did try that and got nowhere.