Worth a close look.

Sourthern Spars is making make rigging out of carbon fiber rods.

http://www.southernspars.com/index.c...=30&submenu=42

Everything you want to know except the real world lifespan.

I have a feeling it will be far longer than SS wire--perhaps even
unlimited lifetime?

How are the rods attached to the hull/structure?

If there is a carbon-metal joint watch out!

Carbon does conduct and you get electrolysis with the metal and the joint
can fail!

Real world experience, almost 20 years in high end bicycle frames show this:

http://www.calfeedesign.com/pdf/Calfee_TWP.pdf

My Specialized Epic carbon fiber/aluminum lug frame experienced corrosion at
the joints, just from perspiration.

I shudder to think about a salt water environment!

Amen!






"Bart Senior" .@. wrote in message ...
Worth a close look.

Sourthern Spars is making make rigging out of carbon fiber rods.

http://www.southernspars.com/index.c...=30&submenu=42

Everything you want to know except the real world lifespan.

I have a feeling it will be far longer than SS wire--perhaps even
unlimited lifetime?

Bob, I saw a picture of what looked like Stainless
steel in the termination. Obviously carbon will
conduct. From what I read, using Titanium for
the end fitting eliminated the corrosion probelm
as well and thermal expansion issues.

How are the rods attached to the hull/structure?
If there is a carbon-metal joint watch out!

Carbon does conduct and you get electrolysis with
the metal and the joint can fail!
Real world experience, almost 20 years in high end
bicycle frames show this:

http://www.calfeedesign.com/pdf/Calfee_TWP.pdf

My Specialized Epic carbon fiber/aluminum lug frame
experienced corrosion at the joints, just from perspiration.

I shudder to think about a salt water environment!