Probably a silly question, but is there a difference between white carbon masts and black ones, apart from the colour? Does it indicate a different construction, or is it purely cosmetic?

cheers

Rich

As far as I understand it there are differences, the key one being that the black ones have a metal track whereas the white ones have a carbon/glass track.  The alloy tracks have altered the gust responses etc, and I think some of the northerners have cut slots in their tracks because of expansion on hot days.  Better let someone who really knows answer the question definitively though!

Superspar masts were all white when they were first introduced. Ken Brackwell, who was Superspars, believed that black masts got very hot in the sun and that may make them softer - some of us beleived him and painted our Jacko masts white as well.
This theory didn't seem to make any difference so Ken started to varnish them instead - black carbon is sexy!
However - about this time Superspars changed the luff track they used from plastic to aluminium. I think the aluminium tracks are slightly stiffer and heavier.
So Rich your question is not silly but the difference is not just in the colour.

We should get out more - Chris and I getting a bit sad sitting in front of our computer screens.

Anyway I think Superspar masts are a underated product. They are a bit stiffer than Chipstow - but this may not be bad, specially if you are on the heavy side. The weight difference is not very significant but they are cheaper, prety much indistructable and available! If you have one of the old white ones with a plastic track - hang on to it.

I have a white one with a plastic track, but they seem to split at the bottom. I understand this is due to the alloy step coroding in salt water. Easy fix if it has not gone already, drill a hole in the bottom of the step so the water can drain! Too late on mine, does anyone know where to get them repaired?!!

Jeremy,

You could try Ian Lovering of Ashdown Marine, web I think is www.ashdownmarine.co.uk 

He knows his onion when it comes to repairs etc... based in Southampton.

Good luck

Jacko at Chipstow repaired mine

Made a really neat job - and I didn't fall over when I got the bill !

www.chipstow.co.uk

P.s. I think Pat might have a point about the Superspars being good for the heavyweights - 

Ian

Several of us have superspars masts at Hollingworth and have done great with these in the past, black or white. Unfortunately we can't now get well cut sails for these masts as the sail makers are geared up to the chipstows. Would like on opinion from a sail maker.

what is the opinion on proctor carbon masts?

Splitting at the bottom you can do yourself if it's not progressed too far.

But the resin heel plug and cut the bottom inch off the mast (The new heel plug is longer than the old one) and hopefully that will take the splits out too.

Thanks all for your help, which has been most helpful. I was considering putting Cobra's new black mast on Matrix which was white, but I think I will leave things be.

Give Jamie Stewart a ring if you want your mast mended for not too much dosh - he used to work for Lovering, but knows which glue to use!  Ian Lovering has had a little problem with glue selection, tracks and A rater masts...

Crookie, Try Kevin at alvabank, he has been cutting sails for my mast, which is a load stiffer than a chipstow, but still works at the top.

The thing to do with the Superspar is to bang on the cunningham when it gets windy.  This puts a load of mast compression on and makes the top go floppy.

hey richard, jacko and i have had many discusions about a white painted mast vs a black varnished mast at tea time and i think my conclusion to it is that the painted mast is better protected from the uv rays/heat as white does not attract it where as black does, i think therefore if the black heats up it will dry out the carbon and the resin thus making it much more brittle. most of the repairs we have done are to varnished masts but then again the ratio of black to white chipstow masts is probably 10/1. i have experimented during "working" hours by placing a piece of white painted carbon and black varnished carbon in the sun and the black heats up much quicker and obviously gets much hotter too. a black carbon mast is a sexy thing!!
well, thats my �0.02 take it like you will, i am no expert

Shane, shouldn't you be sanding my mast rather than posting on the forum :-)

Shane, Fancy fixing my mast for me? Damaged it at Bourne End! Only a little half inch split at the bottom and small peice of carbon missing where i pulled a cleat off.

You and Bruce going to be at Tammy Saturday night?

Jeremy, would love too but today was my last day at jackos as i am leaving for the Bahamas on Wednesday, had you have asked earlier i would have done it no prob!! dont think we are gonna make it Sat night, but will try and convince the old man, is there anywhere to camp/stay if we do? try duct tape!! it works with everything!! even Mr Fullers repaired mast has a bunch in it!!(he just doesnt know it!!) otherwise if we dont see you on Sat nite, well see you at tideaway! with Fullers newly ductaped mast!!

You can camp in the Tammy boat park, thats what i am doing. How long are you going to be the Bananas then!?

As I think we are picking Natt up, if you bring a sleeping bag you can sleep on out lounge floor.