From: Steve Jernigan <jernigan_at_chester.uccs.edu> >Not quite the same thing, but have you considered graphite tubing? this is >available in a large variety of sizes, the ODs are designed to be a >friction fit into the next larger size, they are quite sturdy and light, >and relatively inexpensive. Try a kite shop. I would investigate this thoroughly before using graphite tubes for sails. While my experience is limited to kites only in this respect, I have found graphite rods to be extremely fragile, although very lightweight and strong. Graphite rods can be crushed with just a little pressure. I had to replace an entire frame on an 8' kite once when I crashed it in a 20 mph wind.. I've had to replace lower leading edges on numerous occasions from rough landings, etc. I have also found graphite to be much more expensive than fiberglass. A lower leading edge strut on my MEFM kite costs about 8 bucks (about 28" in length). Fiberglass is not nearly as fragile as graphite and would probably work much better.. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Dec 09 1998 - 11:15:28 PST
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