Båtleksikon
Carbon mast
Carbon masts on sailing yachts: weight and stiffness trade-offs, survey damage clues, and FairHelm caution on undocumented impacts.
Vad det är
A carbon mast is a spar built mainly from carbon-fibre composite, chosen for lower weight aloft and high stiffness compared with many aluminium sections.
Anchor
FairHelm sees carbon on performance and some custom Nordic boats, often with aluminium or stainless fittings bonded or bolted on. Lightning, yard impacts, and hidden delamination matter in cold climates.
FairHelm judgment
FairHelm judgment: treat unexplained paint repairs, soft spots at spreaders, and missing impact notes as survey items. Carbon is not maintenance-free and not automatically safer.
Limits
We do not invent remaining fatigue life from a dockside glance. Specialist survey and maker guidance rule for that spar.
Vanliga frågor
Q: Is a carbon mast always better than aluminium?
A: It can be lighter and stiffer. Cost, repair skill, and impact risk change the ownership case.
Q: Does carbon ignore corrosion?
A: The fibre resists rust, but metal fittings, fasteners, and galvanic pairs still fail.
Q: Can gelcoat chips be ignored on carbon?
A: No. Chips can hide impact damage. Document and inspect.