Parallax ) writes:

As the plans say, getting the aluminum mast is difficult. I tried the
local Metal Supermarkets, plans say 16' of 2-2.375" .065 wall Al
tubing. All they could get was 2" .125 wall thickness. Considered
using it but it would flop around in the big mast hole so found a
place on internet selling 2.25" .065 wall in 16' length for $109,
other two pieces for the lateen rig will be 12' 2" .o65 wall for $95
each for a total of $299 for each boat......WOW. No idea what
shipping will cost. Any ideas anyone? Should I use the 2" .125 wall
from Metal Supermarkets (essentially free since they owe me money)?

depends on what you are doing for sails. there will be some difference in
mast bend which is usually taken into consideration in the cut of the
sail. I would use the free material and if not satisfied replace with the
other next year. I doubt it would make much difference to the pleasure and
enjoyment of the boats the first year or two. The extra thickness of the
walls certainly removes any concern about strength. A bit of extra weight
aloft should also not matter at this stage.

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William R Watt National Capital FreeNet Ottawa's free community network
homepage: www.ncf.ca/~ag384/top.htm
warning: non-freenet email must have "notspam" in subject or it's returned