Problem: Kinked 3rd Mast Section of Blokart Fibreglass Mast just above the join on my Comp Spec Blokart.

Cause: Excessive downhaul? I was using my downhaul as a Cunningham to make frequent adjustments to the luff tension to optimise my sail shape.

Solution: Set the downhaul and leave it. Or buy a Carbon Mast and compete in Performance class.

The only thing that was different was the shortened rope at the head of the sail.
Wind 6-12kn, 42^C, 4m^2 Sail, 85kg Sailor

This was my maiden voyage and was lucky I had Bryan from Kalgoorlie Blokarts there with excellent parts support and was back sailing again. :)

Just wondering has this every happened to anyone else?

Ben

I've been thrashing Blokarts up and down Lake Lefroy for 7 years now and never had any sort mast section fail like that, or even heard of one failing. Could be hauling to the max on a glass mast ain't good unless you have a carbon or ultra carbon mast.It wasn't extreme sailing, but it was friggin hot!

I was sailing this arvo and Rob nearly burnt his hand in my ali boom

fibreglass masts or fishing rods will set a bend if left under pressure in the heat I once curled up a 8ft fishing in my so no one would knock it ifand when I took it out it took on a nice u shape. Itook about 2 years to straiten out
Joe