Suppose I come across a pile of money. Among the many things I might consider doing with it, …

Where can I get a carbon mast for a N5.5 uni?

if you have the money for a carbon stick, why don't you just go ahead and use it on a boat that has one stock like an I20 or I17R?

Call Randy Smyth. He can get you a carbon stick.

I sail a 5.5, and have had those exact thoughts. Since they go for 2-3K, and a decent condition 5.5 uni should sell for 4K....

For 7 or 8 you can certinly find a I17R. Have a newer faster boat, and all the goodies.

If we could find carbon sticks that were 1000$, it'd be a different story.

If I remember correctly, a alloy stick'd uni won the nationals a few years back as well...

Well, thanks for the ideas, guys.
If I had a buyer for the uni, or I didn't like it, or if I really had $8K, you're right, I'd just buy another boat, one with a carbon mast. But I have my uni, & I love it, I'd just love it more if I had a carbon mast (and a new mainsail). It's a long way from $3K for a mast to $8K for a boat.

As for carbon vs aluminum at Nationals. I'd love for someone to publish results of all the 5.5 uni Nationals, showing carbon vs aluminum. The only two 5.5 uni Nationals I have firsthand knowledge of :
1996 - two boats, both aluminum.
2001 - 6 boats, 3 Al, 3 carbon. Until equipment problems on one of the carbon unis, it was carbon in places 1st-2nd-3rd, and aluminum was 4th-5th-6th.

From online results :
2002 - 11 boats, based on names, I would say at least top 5 were carbon.

A good sailor puts time and money on his boat.

Do not confuse a good sailor taking care and improving his boat for an equipment change making him better.

Better skippers put the best stuff on. Involved sailors will sail more.

Involved sailors will be and get better. Involved sailors will spend more money in their sport.

Do not fall in the 'such and such stuff ' is going to make me better.

I hope I've been clear enough. Money alone can't make you win sailing regattas.

Skill and will will.

FLY THOSE THINGS !

1997 Nationals, Racine, WI
1st place alum/stock rudders (Bob Curry)
2nd place carb/carb rudders (Matt Struble)
3rd carb
4th carb
In very light air, they are even. When the wind freshens, carbon flies!

Bob

No doubt. But a smart person doesn't dump 3K into a 4K boat that won't be worth more than 4 or 5 when he's done with it

If I was in a position to buy a carbon stick, I'd put my 5.5 up for sale, and use that +the 3K, to buy a 17R.
Just makes more sense to get a newer boat, thats faster.

Of course, I'm not a Uni - master, so my opinion varies.

The reason I'm not selling my 5.5sl, is the fact that it is a perfect dual purpose boat. Sail uni when it's light or there is no crew, or put up the big chute with crew and do some distance stuff.