That's correct the TRX rig perfect on the CC masts.
The TR9 are hardtop but always riged well for me on the CC mast as well.
Honestly the masts are not a big issue on these sails as major stability is atributed to the 9 battons as well.
Cheers Russ
Select to expand quotefibersnap said..
Could you please elaborate at what point Maui Sails started switching to constant curve - was it TR9 or with the TR-X?
I mail order my sails so don't have opportunity to test rig on my existing mast.
AFAIK, tr8 was still hard top?
Thanks!
Masts started changing in '12. The '12 460 was made smaller diameter from boom height up and that changed the way it flexes. Barry told me the IMCS measure was very close to previous 460 masts and within production tolerances; but the IMCS is done by applying a 30 kg weight at the middle of an horizontally seated mast, while real life load is done by downhaul force which acts parallel to mast axis and is eccentric due the mast bend; and the diameter reduction made a lot in changing how the mast reacts to real life load. Actually I first tried to use my older 460 mast in my 7.6 TR-8; the combo was OK in lighter breezes but felt too stiff in high winds, so after just one try I ordered the new mast. The new mast did quite a lot in loosening the leech more, so acted more like a CC compared to the older one.
Actually I think the 430 was also somewhat changed between 2007 and 2009.
This last change however must be a major one compared to the '12 one and to any possible previous adjustment.
I've noticed a recent trend for many sail makers who were previously on the fringe (flex top or hard top) to move towards a constant curve mast bend. Not sure if this is driven by performance or customer demand, but I know I bitched at Barry when I was using MS about how different the old MS bend curve was. I applaud the sail makers that were on the edges for moving towards the middle, makes my life as a consumer easier.
