Sport Today

Hi Group

1. I want to cut 6" off my HPL alu 183-239 boom. It's the latest
version with the double pin locking mechanism. OK?, not OK?, how?

2. I have ended up with two extensions, 1 newish HPL alu 45cm, 1 older
NP carbon 45cm. I want to cut down the carbon extension to about 25cm
or shorter to use on a sail with zero extension. OK?, not OK?, how?

regards,

rod

One thing to keep in mind is that when you cut the boom arms shorter,
the extension may not be able to slide all the way in to zero because
the straight extension may hit the curved section of the boom- maybe
that's why you're cutting your 2nd extension.

If you're going to cut an extension, it would make more sense to me to
cut the aluminum one.  You get the most benefit from a carbon extension
over an aluminum one when it is extended out.  In other words, both
extensions are quite stiff when they're completly closed up, but when
fully extended the carbon will be noticably stiffer- keep the carbon
long, cut the aluminum.

sm

No problem with either. You might lose some adjustment range on the
boom, since the tail piece wont have as long a straight section to
slide into. The extension can be cut even further than that if you wont
be using any but the bottom hole. Just be sure to leave at least 6
inches above the collar, and you'll be good.
  One thought, though: Keep in mind the actual tube of an extension is
less than half the whole weight. If you're doing it to save weight I
wouldnt bother. You'll have a real "D'oh!" moment if you're sitting on
the beach missing the action cuz you lost or broke your only long
extension. But if you cant use it 'cuz of too much mast taper, then cut
away merrily my friend.

wrt cutting aluminum:

it is very important to make the final edge smooth and free of defects that
could become cracks..
after cutting with a hacksaw, use a file to even it out.  finally, use
sandpaper to smooth over the edges.

don't know about cutting carbon, but I would cut the aluminum extension, not
the carbon. doesn't matter what's new, the carbon is more valuable, and you
will have less weight on a larger rig.

Mike

Thanks. I may not have been totally clear, (for sm). The extension I
was talking about is the mast extension.

I thought about running out of straight boom arm so I might try 4 "
first and see how I go.

The only reason I'm thinking about cutting the mast extension is not to
have 45cm of either alu or carbom up the mast.
I have read this can make the bottom of the mast too stiff, but maybe
I'm just being picky and am ruining a perfectly good mast extension?

Maybe if I use the carbon extension all the way in instead of the alu
it will match the mast bend better and I won't notice it?

rod

Personally, I don't see any issue with using long extensions all the
way in the mast.  This is what I've always done and I've never noticed
a problem, even with race sails.  The effect that the extension will
have on mast bend is so minisucle it's really not worth worring about.
I'd keep the extension long- you're going to be annoyed when you need a
long extenion and you don't have it.

If you do end up cutting an extension, make sure you idiot-proof it in
some way so that you always have enough insertion into the mast.  When
I bent a long aluminum extension, I cut it to make a short extension.
I used a center punch to knock some metal into the holes in the top 6"
of the extension.  That way I physically can not get the pin in these
holes.

Just my opinion.

sm