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MAST SECTION DIAGRAMS:
"Guys,
Thanks for the awesome new mast for Strummer. It's made a huge difference; she's a much better boat, definitely stiffer and faster. We took 2nd (Class IV) in this year's (2007) Bermuda 1-2. Lots of days in the 25-30 knot range. No problems with the rig at all."
Louis Meyer
Strummer — Hinkley Pilot 35
Stonington, CT
"My Forte mast is Fantastic. It is light and extremely strong. I have already put it through a number of tests which included two gales in the Bay of Biscay and on three different occasions have done flying gybes (thanks to autopilot malfunctions) with the spinnaker up, and each time it came through unscathed. In the Pornichet Select Race, I gybed in 30 knots of wind 2 miles from the finish with a full main and broke one of the running backstays, so no backstays on downwind... everything was okay."
Clay Burkhalter
Team Acadia,
2007 Mini Transat 12th Place Finish
Clay is the first American to finish and rank in the top 20
in the MiniTransat's 30 year history.
"The Melges 17 is the latest addition
to the Melges Performance Sailboats family of high performance, one design products. All
17 feet of this streamlined racer is geared for speed, from its supermodel profile
to its 16 lb carbon fiber spar made by Forte. We demanded the toughest,
most durable lightweight carbon fiber spar available for this guaranteed edge-of-your-seat
racing boat. Forte exceeded our expectations in every way, from their top-shelf
customer service and reasonable price to, most importantly, their superior product."
Harry Melges, III
President
Melges Performance Sailboats
Zenda, Wisconsin
For boats up to 50' long, Forte custom engineers, manufactures and rigs tough, durable, lightweight masts at a reasonable price.
Forte carbon fiber masts are engineered to meet your exact requirements. Your mast can be built straight or tapered, to your specified length. We can dictate fiber orientation and laminate thickness, so that material properties are tailored to the structural requirements of your mast.
Please click on Mast Section Diagrams to see available Forte mast section profiles. Custom profile requests are welcomed. Also see the Mast & Boom Selection Chart for additional information.
Forte masts are manufactured using 4-Axis Continuous Fiber Braided Technology originally developed for military applications requiring "super durability"; i.e., the ability to withstand bullet shots and to resist spread of damage. Forte also uses proprietary process control computers to strategically place and braid each carbon fiber strand directly onto a precisely engineered mandrel. The finished mast is then cured and compacted at high temperature.
Our professional rigging department works closely with you and/or your rigging loft throughout this process to answer your questions and ensure that your Forte mast meets your specifications.
Save Weight Aloft. A Forte carbon fiber mast weighs about half that of an aluminum mast. Weight savings aloft translates into increased boat stability. In heavier winds, your boat will pitch less in chop. Increased stability also means you can keep more sail up and/or sail with less crew under any condition.
Along with improved stability, a lighter Forte carbon fiber spar means easier, safer handling for you and your riggers.
Affordable. You benefit from significant cost savings achieved with our efficient, automated manufacturing technique, and thus preserve your cash for other needs.
Double Life Expectancy. Forte carbon fiber masts require less maintenance than aluminum masts; carbon fiber does not corrode, and paint flaking associated with aluminum masts does not occur. And, because softer (i.e., lower modulus) aluminum masts are subject to greater fatigue than carbon fiber masts, a Forte carbon fiber mast has at least double the life expectancy.
Thus, along with being affordable, your Forte carbon fiber mast saves you money for as long as you own your boat.
Transfer Power Efficiently. Power created by your sails is transferred by your mast to your hull. Softer aluminum masts lose some of this power because of bending, flexing and vibration. Due to greater strength and stiffness, a Forte carbon fiber mast immediately and efficiently transforms wind puffs into forward sailing momentum for greater speed.
Whether cruising or racing, you can expect your Forte mast to improve your boat's sailing performance.
Bottom Line? Your tough, durable Forte mast is a sound, cash-saving investment that maximizes your sailing enjoyment.
Get a Free, No Obligation Quote
It's easy to get a quote on a new Forte mast. Just call 860-464-5221 or email us. We welcome your questions and would enjoy the opportunity to discuss your mast requirements.