Masts options

  • 20 Aug 2026 10:03
    Message # 13670750

    I found a company making flagpoles. They provide poles in fibreglass with gel coat finish and aluminium. I am looking for an 8 meter mast and wondered which would be the better option ? The fibreglass pole is a little more expensive but comes in one piece with a delivery cost the aluminium one comes in two pieces to join together, I’m not sure how, but is free delivery. Setting aside the extra cost I wonder if anyone has any views on which would be the better option. The fibreglass pole is advertised as being able to resist winds up to 100mph. The sail would be around 200sq ft in area and based on Arne Kverneland’s designs. .  Any advice or help regarding the mast would be greatly appreciated .

    B

    Bill W

  • 23 Aug 2026 22:46
    Reply # 13672935 on 13670750

    I'm inclined to think the fibreglass option might be too flexible and the aluminium one is very dependent upon how the two sections are joined. Maybe filling the fibreglass version with spray foam would improve things?...

    I was once gifted a fibreglass windsurfer mast that had been stiffened up for application as a dinghy mast by filling it with concrete. It certainly was stiffer until I chopped it up with a disc cutter!

    Wood is good!

    Last modified: 23 Aug 2026 22:51 | Anonymous member