NowhereMan:
I’ve got a jib (smaller sail in front of the main) for my AI that’s very useful in certain wind conditions. It’ll work best with a mast that is about 1” (or less) in diameter. Ideally, the mast would be 16’ (minimum is 12’), reasonably stiff, and as lightweight as possible. I currently use a 3/4” PVC pipe (class 200, the thin stuff) for the mast. It’s the perfect diameter and lightweight, and it sorta works, but is way too flexible.
Is there any way to stiffen PVC pipe without adding too much weight? Some people claim that high-density (like 8 pound) expanding foam will do the trick, but I have my doubts. A wooden dowel inside the PVC pipe seems to add a lot of stiffness and not too much weight, but I don’t think I’ll find a 12’ (let alone 16’) dowel.
Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!
tedski:
What's the inside diameter of the PVC you have? Could make a 16' dowel on the router table.
SandyToes:
EMT conduit maybe? It comes in 10ft lengths, but maybe one joint in there doesn't matter? Or you could weld it.
piscellaneous:
SCH80 PVC is much thicker-walled and the gray color is UV resistant
Tyler:
+1 on the schedule 80 pvc for electrical. Thicker wall.