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Powerex mast durability
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bobsurfdawg



Joined: 24 Feb 2012
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:44 pm    Post subject: Powerex mast durability Reply with quote

Due to a vehicle fire toasting all my masts (and other gear), I ended up with 7 brand new 100% carbon Powerex SDM masts in May/June 2013. As of yesterday, two 490s and one 460 have broken about 12 inches above the ferrule - all three occurred rigged and sitting on the ground with no apparent trauma. Not crashing in waves, getting launched, or banging around on rocks. They are always stored in padded bags sitting in my van, or stored vertically in my barn. Been sailing over 30 years, so yes I am sure they were fully inserted - I double check every time when putting the sail on the mast. I sail small in-land lakes or sound side at Avon, NC. I will never buy Powerex masts again, especially not 100% carbon ones. Since last I checked, they went under, but are trying to recover, but no US distributor yet. Too bad, or I'd be bugging them to no end. Anybody want to buy (2) 490 bottoms?
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nw30



Joined: 21 Dec 2008
Posts: 6485
Location: The eye of the universe, Cen. Cal. coast

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 11:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

SDM's are inherently weaker than RDM's, 100% carbon masts are more brittle than masts that have 60 to 90% carbon.
I'd suggest replacing them with something else (RDM w/ <100% carbon). I have a Powerex RDM, 90% carbon, that is used exclusively in the waves, that's 15 years old, and is still going strong, as do many of my friends with the same mast, similar age, and sailing conditions.
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dllee



Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 5328
Location: East Bay

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 12:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some sails have lots of mast bend..be aware.
Max downhaul bends the mast.
Masts get hot in the sun.
More % of carbon is more fragile.
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cgoudie1



Joined: 10 Apr 2006
Posts: 2597
Location: Killer Sturgeon Cove

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 1:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I also have a bunch of RDMs from around that time in operation, but those masts were produced in Utah. The Current PX may have a different layup, or manufacturing process. What Ldee says is true, but those masts still should not have exploded. better to have them break on the beach than 1/2 mile off the coast though.

-Craig

nw30 wrote:
SDM's are inherently weaker than RDM's, 100% carbon masts are more brittle than masts that have 60 to 90% carbon.
I'd suggest replacing them with something else (RDM w/ <100% carbon). I have a Powerex RDM, 90% carbon, that is used exclusively in the waves, that's 15 years old, and is still going strong, as do many of my friends with the same mast, similar age, and sailing conditions.
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dllee



Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 5328
Location: East Bay

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 1:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have some Warps and Hammers which have soooo. much mast curve that I know the mast will break at the most unexpected times.
RDM would solve the problem, but why put up with them in 8.3 and 7.8 sizes?
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U2U2U2



Joined: 06 Jul 2001
Posts: 5467
Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can name at least 3 places of business that sell PX masts.
They are no longer made in UTAH, but fairly certain China.
I would not expect 5YO masts to break , looking at them
They have served me well, using both RDMm /SDM.

If their is no US distributor I would be amazed.
I cant see places importing their own supply, far too costly .

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U2U2U2



Joined: 06 Jul 2001
Posts: 5467
Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I looked at PX home page. IM amazed , the dealers must be selling off old stock, or importing on their own.
I may suggest gently call Chinook and ask if they know anything , or NOLimitz .

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U2U2U2



Joined: 06 Jul 2001
Posts: 5467
Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.powerexmasts.com/warranty.php

Says a 2 year warranty, unless you extend for 3 more.
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gregnw44



Joined: 23 Jul 2008
Posts: 783
Location: Seattle, Wa

PostPosted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have 3 Powerex masts, I've used a ton. SDM's They vary from 55% to 100% carbon... I don't know which year they're from, but they've all been around a long time. 460-490-520. They've all been bent a lot in sails like Sailworks Retros than have WAY more luff curve than most sails. All are still fine... I trust them in winter storms.
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dllee



Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 5328
Location: East Bay

PostPosted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Retros do have luff curve, I have 3, but nothing like WARPS or Hammers.
Currently still using PX'x from earliest 90's.
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