Have a gator 7.5m. What is best for recreational use - Severne 75% or 90% carbon mast? Have a cheap 90% option available but thinking the 75% may be best.

I'd say that durability is more about construction than carbon content. A 100% carbon mast can easily be more durable than a 75% one. If you can get the 90% mast for a good price and it's a quality stick, go for it. My general advice is to always get the best mast(s) you can and then keep them. When you build your future quiver around your masts, you will not regret having gotten the best one's possible.

Endorsing the 'buy the best and cry once' method.

joe windsurf said..

masse said..
'buy the best and cry once' method.

regarding this ...

some people refuse to buy certain parts of the kit "used"
are masts one of these components ??

I would not hesitate to buy a used mast if it is in good nick all without much wear and tear. In a way it can even be viewed as a bit of a "quality seal", since all my masts that have not snapped early in their life have lasted apart from a couple of heavy snaps that most likely would've killed any mast out there anyway.

Personally, I buy my mast bases and extensions new. But then I sail in proper winter conditions, where this kind of breakage easily could become a serious problem (anything over +2-3 degree C water temp, + whatever air temp as long as it isn't snowing). I would also stay away from any alu boom that has been used for a long time since it is really difficult to tell if any galvanic corrosion has made the boom weaker.