Technology
Manufacturing Technology
The molding system developed by CUL-Masten enables a special structure of the laminate. The fiber course can be implemented exactly according to the calculations. The material used-high-quality fibers from well-known manufacturers-guarantees the qualitatively convincing result. CUL-Masten attaches particular importance to high tensile strength and elongation at break. The combination of different fibers is possible and can even further improve the result. CUL-Masten processes a high quality epoxy resin, also used in aviation, with GL certified hardener, which is processed at room temperature to achieve a stress-free laminate. After pressing and annealing, we achieve a temperature resistance of well over 100°.
Flexibility in the production process
The possibility to adapt the fiber structure exactly to the product, we can strengthen the carbon mast in the highly stressed area and reduce the material thickness to the top. This gives us a significantly lower center of gravity on the mast compared to an aluminum mast or even a continuously wound mast. This improves the sailing characteristics and the keel weight can be reduced.
The carbon fibers can be laid from 0° to 90°: Due to the optimal arrangement of the fibers, we achieve maximum bending and compression strength and can absorb the torsional forces (twisting). In addition, CUL masts can apply partial reinforcements directly where needed. The top area of the mast can also be tapered if needed for better aerodynamic performance, lighter weight and elegant appearance.
Own forming system
With the CUL mast molding system, we demold the mast completely free of mechanical or machine force. Damage to the finished product is completely excluded.
Attachments with ease
A large part of our mast fittings are made of carbon and minimize the total weight on the mast and boom. As a result, we achieve not only a minimum of weight, but also its greater strength of the fittings. A consistent, light, strong rig is not only made of a carbon tube. No, it should also be light and strong down to the smallest detail. A light well thought-out hardware arrangement, light shrouds and stretch-free tapered halyards, will make your mast up to 25% lighter.
Unique design
Design in a high quality product is crucial for CUL-Masten. With CUL masts manufacturing technology, we have the ability to give your product a unique design. A beautiful visible layer in the form of different carbon weave patterns such as twill , spread two, honeycomb design give the boat an attractive visual appearance. Layers with colored fibers in red or blue as accent color help to create uniqueness. Finally, the visible layer receives a high-quality, multi-layer UV clear varnish. This creates a real gem of a rig that definitely stands out from all the rest.
Useful additions
A mast base with hydraulics, a folding system for single-handed sailors, winches on the mast or even halyard stoppers on the mast? Just as easy to implement as adjustable jump stays, design elements, LED spotlights in the main boom and much more.
Mast groove
One system - all possibilities
A CUL Carbon mast gives you complete freedom in the choice of system for the mainsail. The mast groove (Göhl) worked directly into the laminate guides the mainsail - whether directly with the piping on the sail, with composite Göhl sliders, batten slider systems from Rutgerson, Luffshuttle or the BallslideTM system from Ronstan. In addition, depending on the customer's needs, CUL masts offers the possibility of adding a conventional rail system (from, for example, Harken, Ronstan, Karver, Antal, etc.). In this case, the rail can be fixed with sliding blocks in the göhl without weakening the mast with holes.
In addition, later you always have the option to change the system. Or even alternatively to use two different systems (racing and recreational sail).
Higher strength - lower weight
With the same profile size and wall thickness, the CUL-Masten profile with the groove worked into the mold obtains a significantly higher strength than the same profile without Göhl. The molding results in a V-shaped inwardly incorporated base for the Göhl and forms a beam as reinforcement. For a profile with the size of 220 x 115 mm, the profile with Göhl has a higher area moment of inertia in the longitudinal axis of 20%. Furthermore, the profile is not weakened by holes to attach a mainsail with rail system.
Compared to a rail system that is screwed or glued to the mast, the integrated groove of CUL masts has a considerable weight saving. A rail system from the well-known manufacturers weighs about 650 g per meter for a 35-foot boat. In addition, depending on the system, the mast must be reinforced in the rear or even have metal inserts to securely fasten the rail. In addition to this weight increase, of course, there are the batten sleds and recumbent sleds. This means an additional weight of about 15-20 kg for a 35-foot boat.
Best functionality at low cost
In addition to the weight savings compared to a rail system, you also gain on the cost side. Using the example of a 35-foot boat, this can be quantified at about € 4000.
Do you still prefer a rail system?
For you, the old proven rail system yet proves to be the more convincing Variant-CUL masts can also offer an elegant solution in this case. With a Carbon Ultra Light mast you also have so the possibility to securely attach a rail to the mast with sliding blocks without weakening it.
Calculation / Analysis / Design
Individual - perfectly matched
Each construction and calculation of a carbon mast, main boom, spinnaker pole or even gennaker pole is a special process and is calculated and analyzed for the customer respectively the sailboat. By filling in the corresponding data sheet (link to the inquiry form), which can be found on our website, we receive from you the most important basic data of your boat. Our designers use this data to calculate the area moments of inertia acting on the rig or the trees. These data are used to determine which mast profiles and salings arrangements, as well as boom profiles, are suitable.
Details - in focus
After selecting the profile, the detailed software-based calculation can be performed. Here, the forces and loads acting on the mast, the standing and running rigging are calculated and visually displayed. Through this process, different scenarios, such as material thicknesses, fiber structure, sails, wind forces and wind angles, can be displayed and the mast can then be optimized. From this, laminate structure and reinforcements are determined and a quotation for the rig is prepared, taking into account the customer's requirements.
Outstanding product in collaboration
Of course, in order to achieve an outstanding result, CUL-Masts is also happy to work with your yacht designer, your sailmaker or your shipyard and our team in cooperation all the details carefully.
