Is a comptip worth it?

Hi all,
As I've posted before, I have a really old H-16 (hull # in the 1800s) that I've been bringing back to life. While poking around the old inter-web I spotted a comptip mast for sale in my area at a reasonable price. There is nothing wrong with my old-school all-aluminum mast other than the fact that it is no longer class legal. My 8 YO son is really excited to sail and has expressed interest in doing some racing. I know that my heavy old boat is guaranteed to be uncompetitive, but the idea of racing still appeals to me as well. So now the question: is it worth it to buy the comptip mast to make the boat class legal? As I read the class rules, you are allowed to compete in one event with the all aluminum mast, but to compete in a second event you must convert over to the comptip. Will hobie fleets let you take part in recreational events without a comptip? Any info appreciated,

Thanks,

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JAKE

The reason the comptip came about was because of safety. Personally,i hate the idea of having a two-piece mast, but in regards to safety, I'd recommend it. As far as racing is concerned-- I have no idea.

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Sail.fast

470, 08 Getaway

Tough question.

Easy if your not going to race, keep the aluminum mast... I just don't see a need for it. Keep your eyes open when moving you boat around at launch ramps, and raising the mast for power lines. And while sailing for any that might be strung across a lake.

If you race, you have to get one.. However Use that race to find out if that is something you and your son really want to do, with an older boat your looking at about 40lbs of extra hull weight from the older boat, eventually buying new sails, rigging, plus the $300+ a comp time is going to end up costing you. At that rate you might want to look into getting a newer boat.

Been there done that with this decision, with a 1975 H-16, I ended up buying a brand new boat.

You never say what the reasonable price is??? Be sure to inspect the plastic luff track for any cracks..flex the plastic when you look at it. Also, look at every single rivet for signs of electrolysis. If you have access to a swimming pool try a "leak check" too. Having a spare mast (for a good price) is a great idea.

Personal opinion warning!!!
The comptip mast is, quite simply, safer. Powerlines are an everpresent danger and I like knowing that my mast is safer than it could be. It's not a cure-all and I still need to keep aware. Also, I like the de-powering effect in the gusts that we get here in the midwest.

Thanks for all the replies!

reasonable is around $100.
I appreciate personal opinions.

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JAKE

For $100 you can't go too wrong, provided you inspect it and are okay with the condition....heck, just the comptip alone is several times that.

Thanks for the info everybody.

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JAKE